Bulelwa Hoala

Former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks reportedly died of a suspected heart attack on Wednesday, 15 May 2025.
He was 37 years old.
According to Supersport, the Paarl-born athlete played 12 tests for the Springboks and recently helped the Boland Cavaliers qualify for this year’s Currie Cup competition.
He also played for the Blitzboks, Cheetahs and the Blue Bulls.
Hendricks was reportedly diagnosed with a rare heart condition and was advised to stop playing rugby when he was 27 years old.
He opted for a second opinion, which saw him return to the game four years later.
Tributes are pouring in for Hendricks on social media.
“Free State Rugby mourns the loss of an ex-Toyota Cheetah player, Cornal Hendricks. Our condolences to his family and friends,” the official Cheetahs rugby team wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, the Blue Bulls also paid tribute to Cornal on X and said, “The Vodacom Bulls are deeply saddened by the passing of Cornal Hendricks, aged 37. A 12-time capped Springbok and key player for the Vodacom Bulls from 2018 to 2023, Cornal was known for his passion, energy, and infectious smile both on and off the field.”
Hendricks is survived by his wife and two children.
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