Former South Africa Winger Cornal Hendricks Dies Aged 37

Tributes pour in for a player who turned heartbreak into hope

South African rugby is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures, as former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks has died aged just 37. The former international, known for his blistering pace, quiet strength, and inspiring personal journey, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.

Hendricks leaves behind a legacy far greater than the 12 Test caps he earned in green and gold. His story was one of courage, resilience, and a passion for rugby that refused to be extinguished—even when it seemed the game had been taken from him far too soon.

A dream that almost ended before it truly began

For many fans, Hendricks’ Springbok debut in 2014 against Wales was the beginning of a bright new chapter in South African rugby. But by the following year, that dream had been cut short. Diagnosed with a serious heart condition, the then-27-year-old was forced into an early and deeply painful retirement.

At the time, it felt like one of rugby’s crueler turns. Hendricks had only recently made the leap from the sevens circuit into the Test arena, scoring five tries in his 12 Springbok appearances. Tall, agile, and deceptively powerful, he looked set to be a regular fixture in the Bok backline.

But health always comes first, and the condition sidelined him indefinitely—until, miraculously, it didn’t.

A remarkable comeback against all odds

Hendricks‘ return to rugby in 2019 was nothing short of extraordinary. After consulting with a second medical team and being cleared to play again, he signed with the Bulls—Pretoria’s proud Super Rugby outfit. What followed was a powerful chapter of redemption and revival.

“Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015,” Bulls director of rugby Jake White said. “When we had the opportunity to get him back on the park, he took that with open arms and made remarkable use of his second lease in professional rugby.”

Hendricks not only returned, he thrived. He brought intensity and hunger to every match, earning praise for his leadership and humility as much as for his try-scoring ability. In total, he played 233 first-class matches over a 17-year career that spanned provincial rugby, international sevens, and Super Rugby.

A golden touch in sevens

Long before his Springbok debut, Hendricks had already made a name for himself with South Africa’s sevens team—the Blitzboks. Between 2011 and 2014, he was a regular feature in the fast-paced, high-energy format of the game.

He played a vital role in South Africa’s campaign at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens and stood atop the podium with the Blitzboks after clinching gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. That moment, with a medal around his neck and national pride swelling, was one of the pinnacles of his career—and a testament to the hard work he poured into every jersey he wore.

More than a player

Tributes have flooded in from across the rugby world, not just for Hendricks the player, but for the man he was.

“Cornal was one of those players who loved the game and worked extremely hard, but he always did so with a smile on his face,” said South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander. “His energy and love of life, on and off the field, lifted his team-mates and those around him.”

That smile, teammates say, was his trademark. Hendricks approached everything—from training to match day to media duties—with the same quiet humility and warmth. He didn’t speak loudly, but when he did, people listened. He didn’t need to boast; his journey did the talking for him.

He inspired not just teammates, but a nation. Hendricks represented hope for those who had been written off, and courage for anyone who had been told their dream was over.

A loss felt far and wide

Former South Africa winger Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37

News of Hendricks‘ sudden passing has shaken South African rugby to its core. Though his time on this earth was painfully short, the impact he made during his 37 years was immense.

“He inspired his team-mates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage,” White said. “Rugby has lost one of the good ones.”

Indeed, Hendricks‘ story reminds us that sport is about more than trophies and statistics. It’s about heart—something he had in abundance, both literally and figuratively. Even after a diagnosis that could have ended everything, he found a way to return to the game he loved. And he did so not just for himself, but for all those watching, all those wondering if a comeback was possible.

He showed them it was.

Remembering Cornal Hendricks

Hendricks will be remembered for his trademark sidestep, his try-scoring flair, and his relentless work ethic. But more than anything, he will be remembered for the grace with which he handled adversity—and the joy he brought to every field he stepped onto.

As the rugby world pauses to reflect on his legacy, one can’t help but feel that Cornal Hendricks’ story isn’t just one of what could have been. It’s a story of what was: a life filled with impact, a career filled with defiance, and a spirit that never stopped fighting.

Rest in peace, Cornal. South African rugby is richer for having known you—and poorer now that you’re gone.