White South Africans morn the death of Cornal Hendriks. Image: Just Plain Sport.
(The Post News)– A solemn hush settled over the town of Wellington this past weekend, as hundreds gathered at the NG Kerk Modergemeente to pay their final respects to one of South Africa’s most beloved rugby sons, Cornal Hendricks.
Hendricks was born and raised in the heart of Wellington’s Hillcrest community. A product of Bergrivier High School, he never graced the fields of Craven Week tournaments nor received early national recognition. Yet through unrelenting dedication, Hendricks broke through the odds, earning a spot in the Boland Cavaliers’ ranks before stepping onto the international stage.
Hendricks made his Springbok debut in 2014, earning 12 Test caps and scoring five tries. He was a winger of pace and power—widely respected by teammates and opponents alike. But in 2015, his career faced an abrupt halt when a hereditary heart condition was discovered, sidelining him indefinitely.
Rather than accept retirement, Hendricks fought back physically, mentally, and spiritually. By 2019, he returned to top-tier rugby with the Vodacom Bulls, proving critics and doctors wrong. He helped the team clinch the Super Rugby Unlocked title and the Currie Cup, and in 2021, was named Player of the Tournament.
Off the field, Hendricks was a man of humility and strong Christian faith. He was often seen interacting with young players in his hometown—offering words of hope, even joining informal games on dusty school fields.
In 2015, he launched the Hendricks Foundation, a nonprofit focused on empowering youth through sports clinics and life skills development with a motto of “Hope. Inspire. Dream.” Messages of condolence and tribute poured in from across the country. Bulls head coach Jake White and CEO Edgar Rathbone attended the funeral in Wellington, alongside fellow teammates and rugby legends.
Former Springbok Bryan Habana, in a video tribute, said, “To speak of Cornal is to speak of courage and determination. He lived and played with heart.” As Cornal Hendricks was laid to rest in his hometown, the crowd stood in silent reverence—some in Springbok green, others in Bulls blue, many in humble civilian clothes—all united in grief and gratitude.
Though the rugby fields will no longer echo with his footsteps, Hendricks’ legacy will live on through every young player who dares to believe in a second chance. The Cornal Hendricks Foundation continues its mission. Donations and support can be made via the foundation’s website or by contacting the organisation through local community channels.
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