Former South Africa winger Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37

Former South Africa international Cornal Hendricks has died aged 37 after suffering a heart attack.

Hendricks, who scored five tries in 12 appearances for the Springboks, died on Wednesday.

The winger made his Test debut for the Springboks against Wales in 2014, having also played sevens for his country.

Hendricks was forced to retire from professional rugby 10 years ago after being diagnosed with a heart condition.

However, after receiving a second medical opinion, he returned to action with Pretoria-based Super Rugby side Bulls in 2019.

He represented South Africa in rugby sevens between 2011 and 2014, earning selection for the Blitzboks for the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens and winning a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

In total, he played 233 first-class matches in a career spanning 17 years.

Bulls rugby director Jack White said: “Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015.

“When we had the opportunity to get him back on the park, he took that with open arms and made a remarkable use of his second lease in professional rugby.

“We all witnessed him leave no stone unturned as he inspired his team-mates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage. Rugby has lost one of the good ones.”

South African rugby president Mark Alexander added: “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 team-mates and those around him. His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered.”