Cornal Hendricks, former South African rugby star, dies at 37 from a heart attack.

Former South Africa winger Cornal Hendricks has passed away at the age of 37 following a heart attack, according to a statement released by South African Rugby on Thursday.

Hendricks earned 12 caps for the South African national team, during which he scored five tries. He also played a key role in South Africa's sevens squad, contributing to their gold medal victories at the 2013 World Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

In 2015, Hendricks was forced into early retirement due to a heart condition. However, he made a remarkable return to professional rugby in 2019. Over the course of his 17-year career, he featured in a total of 233 first-class matches.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander expressed his sorrow at the news, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a remarkable athlete who represented his country in sevens and fifteen-man rugby with distinction. 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.”

He extended his sympathies, saying, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Stephaney and their children, his family, friends, and teammates.”