Former South Africa star Cornal Hendricks has passed away at the age of 37.
Hendricks, who retired from the sport last year, suffered a heart attack on Wednesday evening.
GettyCornal Hendricks sadly passed away on Wednesday night[/caption]He featured in Tests for the Springboks in 2014 and 2015 while also represented the Blitzboks between 2011 and 2014.
The former Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls back also earned a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow in 2014.
President of South Africa Rugby Mark Alexander, paid a heartfelt tribute to Hendricks.
“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.”
Hendrick’s played in 12 Tests for his country, scoring five tries and featured in one non-Test match for the Springboks.
He clocked up a respectable 233 first-class matches across a career that spanned 17 years.
Hendricks started his professional career with Boland Cavaliers beofre moving on to represent the Cheetahs and the Bulls.
His final match was a Champions Cup quarter-final in 2024 against Northampton Saints.
“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,” said Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone.
“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.”
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