Cornal Hendricks (37), ‘n bekende en veelsydige rugbyspeler, het Woensdagaand, vermoedelik aan ‘n hartaanval by sy huis in die Boland gesterf. In talle berigte van meegevoel met sy familie word hy as “die man met die goue hart” en ‘n hulpvaardige en meelewende vriend beskryf.
Hendricks het vir die Vrystaat se Cheetahs op vleuel uitgedraf en het ook tydens die Curriebeker die Cheetahs in Superrugby verteenwoordig. Hy het vanaf 2011 tot 2013 vir die nasionale Sewesrugbyspan in 17 toernooie en ‘n Wêreldbeker-toernooi gespeel.
Hendricks, met verskeie toekennings op sy rugbykerfstok, het die Boland in alle ouderdomsgroepe tot op senior vlak verteenwoordig. Op 14 Junie 2014, tydens sy Springbokdebuut, druk hy sy eerste toets-drie.
Die Cornal Hendricks Foundation het sy afsterwe op sosiale media aangekondig. Die organisasie, in 2014 gestig, is ‘n nie-winsgewende organisasie en het ten doel om toekomstige gemeenskappe en jongmense te bemoedig en te bemagtig: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cornal Hendricks, founder of the Cornal Hendricks Foundation, who left us peacefully last night at his home in Paarl. His vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to our community have touched countless lives. While we mourn his loss, we remain committed to honouring his legacy through the work he so passionately began. Our thoughts are with his wife, children and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Cornal.”
Mark Alexander, die president van SA Rugby, het hulde aan Hendricks gebring. Die volgende rouberig is deur SA Rugby gedeel:
The South African 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.
The 37-year-old Hendricks passed away due to 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 Mr 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.”
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