Springbok flyer's untimely death has fans gasping

Former Springbok Cornal Hendricks, who was capped 12 times, has died aged 37 after a heart attack. Tributes flowed on X

@JesseKriel15 You will be missed my brother! Fly high @CornalHendricks

@haribaldijones He ran the best inside lines because he committed full on; always looked like was falling downhill, towards the promised land. Elite finisher from the Boland: Bok Cornal Hendricks will stay in our hearts and his family in our minds.

@samhendricksZA Ai chommie.... @CornalHendricks When all we can say is #RIPCornalHendricks The strongest person on and off the field. Passion always and so much love for your family and where you came from. Rest well. ️

@AnalystGus Terribly sad to hear of the passing of Cornal Hendricks at 37 years old. A true fighter, who retired at 27 due to a heart condition that cut his Springbok career short. Only to emerge in the professional scene once again in his 30s, playing for the Bulls, Boland & SA ‘A’.

@francisaac87 Life isn’t fair most of the time, but that didn't stop Cornal Hendricks from keep going. He refused to give up whenever a new obstacle arose and went as far to become a Springbok, a Bulls, a fan favourite and a guiding light for others. May his legacy live on️.

@nickbimages Saddened to learn of the death of former @BlueBullsRugby and @Springboks back Cornal Hendricks’ at the age of 37. Known for always playing with a smile on his face, Cornal also represented South Africa in Sevens, appearing for the @Blitzboks between 2011 and 2014.R.I.P Cornal.

@Kookie_Kuhle Terrible to hear the news about Cornal Hendricks! One the best finishers we have produced in this country, loved his stint at centre for the Bulls just after Covid. Hell of a guy off the field as well️.

@JLyall93 Interviewed Cornal Hendricks during his comeback in 2019; raised by an astonishing mum in poverty most of us can’t fathom, he radiated positivity and kindness, and did masses for his people. ‘I want to be that light in our dark communities.’ From Wellington to the world. RIP.

@will_owen9 Horrible news about Cornal Hendricks. A life and a rugby career cut drastically short. Ludicrously quick and translated his skill set seamlessly from 7s to 15s. In his prime he was the sort of player you hated to see on opposition team sheets, but loved to watch as a neutral. RIP

@Yuben_za RIP Cornel Hendricks, will never forget the try against the All Blacks.

@rekoil92 RIP CORNAL HENDRICKS. You will be missed dearly. One of our most loved players. Amazing story behind it as well. @Springboks, @BlueBullsRugby, cheetahs and Boland lost a giant. Rus sag Oom CORNAL

@DennisCruywagen Rest in Peace, Cornal Hendricks. You were a shining example of a working class young man who did not have the benefit of a former Model C school rugby scholarship but who reached the very top, took care of his family and never forget where your roots were.

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