Former Springbok Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37

Former South Africa wing Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37 following a heart attack.

SA Rugby have confirmed that the 12-cap Springbok and former South Africa Sevens international passed away on Wednesday evening.

Hendricks suffered from a heart condition as a player, which looked to have cut his career short when his move from the Cheetahs to the Stormers fell through in 2016. A further move to Toulon collapsed later that year, forcing him to retire at the age of 27.

However, he was able to revive his career in 2019 by signing for the Bulls, whom he represented until 2024.

The SA rugby community was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the passing of Cornal Hendricks and Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to the former dual-international who wore the green and gold with distinction – more here: https://t.co/yT3OWHJvsS 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/bieJSvmh2D

— Springboks (@Springboks) May 15, 2025

President of SA Rugby Mark Alexander led the tributes, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a remarkable athlete who represented his country in sevens and fifteen-man rugby with distinction.

“Cornal was one of those players who loved the game and he worked extremely hard, but he always did so with a smile on his face, treating all people with respect. His energy and love of life, on and off the field, lifted his teammates and those around him.

“His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Stephaney and their children, his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations.”

Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone said: “We are deeply saddened and still trying to come to terms with the passing of Cornal, a loved member of the Loftus family who was more than a talented player. He knew how to deliver just about the right dose of energy to help lift a room, he was an iconic teammate, a friend for many seasons, and an inspirational figure in the locker room.

“A brother, a son and an inspiration to both the old and young. A man with such an infectious smile that brightened our world, and above all, we knew Cornal as a proud dad to his young kids.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife, children and everyone else who is affected by his untimely and tragic death. A special player who defied all the odds and became our inspiration for everyone, may he rest in perfect peace.”

Bulls director of rugby Jake White said: “Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short.

“When we had the opportunity to get him back on the park, he took that with open arms and made a remarkable use of his second lease in professional rugby. We all witnessed him leave no stone unturned as he inspired his teammates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage.

“It was a privilege and honour to have been his coach, a fantastic role model for the next generation and his appetite for life was infectious. Rugby has lost one of the good ones today.”