Sad news as Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks dies at age 37

South African rugby has been rocked by the tragic news that former Springbok flyer Cornal Hendricks has passed away at the age of just 37.

Details surrounding his cause of death remain unconfirmed, but the popular winger had previously battled a life-threatening heart condition which cut short his career in its prime—before making a stunning comeback.

UPDATE: Tragically, it’s now been confirmed that he has passed away after reportedly suffering a massive heart attack on Wednesday.

Hendricks first made his name on the sevens circuit, starring for the Blitzboks and helping the side capture gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Later that year, he made his Test debut for the Springboks and earned 12 caps, dotting down for five tries during an electric spell in green and gold.

Cornal Hendricks

A move to the Stormers and Western Province in 2016 was expected to push him to even greater heights, but tragedy struck when Hendricks was diagnosed with a serious heart condition.

His rugby dreams were seemingly over, with a proposed deal with French giants Toulon also collapsing. At just 27 years old, he was forced into premature retirement—devastated, but not defeated.

In an incredible twist of fate, Hendricks battled back to full health and made a triumphant return to the professional game in 2019, signing with the Bulls.

“I was in a dark place after the doctors told me my career was over,” he revealed at the time. “The emotional pain was worse than the physical. I’d curl up in bed and shut the world out.”

Despite the risks, Hendricks bravely returned to the field, delivering memorable performances in blue and earning huge respect across the rugby world.

Cornal Hendricks’ story was one of passion, pain, and persistence. A man who defied the odds to do what he loved, and who inspired thousands in the process.

Gone too soon, but never forgotten.