Former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks dies at 37

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

Hendricks 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 the 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, says many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015. White says when they 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.

He adds that Hendricks left no stone unturned in inspiring his teammates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage.

Source: BBC Sports