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RIP Cornal Hendricks: 18 April 1988 - 14 May 2025

  • Writer: Bulls Rugby
    Bulls Rugby
  • May 15
  • 4 min read

Everyone at the Vodacom Bulls is devastated to hear of the passing of Cornal Hendricks, a loved and celebrated former player, at the age of 37.

The Paarl native was a 12-time capped Springbok, with 73 caps for the franchise in the Capital between the 2018/19 and 2023/24 seasons, before he returned to his homeland, Boland, for his career swansong. A devastating winger who later on evolved his game and became an equally devastating centre with a zeal for life.

BBCo. Chief Executive, Edgar Rathbone, says Cornal was a special player who will be dearly missed.

“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.”

Cornal will be remembered for his outlandish dance moves and love for laughter. A prolific gentleman on and off the field who will be dearly missed by all.

“Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015,” comments director of rugby, Jake White.

“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,” he adds.

“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.”

Everyone’s thoughts at the club are with Cornal’s family, friends and his peers during this incredibly difficult time.

Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to the former dual-international who wore the green and gold with distinction.

The 37-year-old Hendricks died of a heart attack on Wednesday evening. Apart from playing in 12 Tests for the Springboks in 2014 and 2015, he also represented the Blitzboks between 2011 and 2014, with whom he won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow in 2014. He was also a member of the Rugby World Cup Sevens squad in Moscow in 2013.

Hendricks, who was named Springbok Sevens Player of the Year for 2013, made his senior debut in the colours of the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, which is also where his career concluded after his last game for Boland in the SA Cup earlier this year.

He also represented the Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls with distinction in Super Rugby and the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, as well as in the light blue jersey in the Carling Currie Cup finals of 2020 and 2021, both won by the men from Pretoria.

Apart from his 12 Tests, in which he scored five tries, Hendricks played one non-Test match for Boks and also ran out in the colours of the SA ‘A’ team. In total, Hendricks played 233 first-class matches in a career spanning 17 years.

“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,” said Alexander.

“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.”


The Bulls and fans will have the opportunity to pay their last respects on Saturday during Round 18 of the 2024/25 Vodacom United Rugby Championship, with a moment of silence and a minute’s applause at the 14th minute, an iconic number that Hendricks owned with his blistering pace. Vodacom Bulls flags around the stadium will also be flown at half mast, a sign and mark of respect to the Hendricks family during this difficult time.

Supporters are also encouraged to lay flowers or any tokens of remembrance, such as letters or notes, to the grieving family at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The iconic Loftus bull statue will be demarcated as the drop-off point for fans who wish to come and pay their last respects to a one-of-a-kind player and human.

Fans and the community at large can bring their tokens of remembrance between 6am and 7pm, using the main gate of the ground.


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