Cornal Hendricks Remembered: Boland’s Emotional Rise to Currie Cup’s Topflight

As Boland Rugby savoured the sweet success of promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division, a dark cloud swiftly followed their celebration. 

Last Wednesday night, the rugby community was rocked by the sudden passing of former Springbok and Boland player Cornal Hendricks, who died of a heart attack at the age of 36.

The news came just as Boland was preparing for a critical semi-final clash in the SA Cup. Head coach Hawies Fourie, who had worked closely with Hendricks, described the loss as devastating for the team and the broader rugby community.

"It was a sad day for Boland Rugby last Wednesday night. It's been a tough week...sad really. Coach Alshaun Bock [Assistant Coach] phoned me at about 22h50 [Wednesday night] and he broke the sad news to me. It was devastating and I couldn't sleep that night. The following morning we had to leave for the Semi-Final against the Pumas in Nelspruit."

"We got together on Thursday morning and took a bus to the airport. It was tough to face the players, Cornal wouldn't be part of the team anymore."

An Icon Lost Too Soon

Cornal Hendricks was more than just a player; he was a mentor, a community figure, and an inspiration. Known for his powerful runs and sharp finishing ability, Hendricks overcame early-career adversity, including a heart condition that nearly ended his rugby journey prematurely.

Despite concerns from several teams, it was the Bulls who gave him a second chance, after he was medically cleared by cardiologist Dr. Wouter Basson. Hendricks continued to be cleared annually, and when he joined Boland after the 2023 Currie Cup, he passed all standard medical checks.

"Every new player that arrives in Wellington, goes through a medical scan from our doctor and our physios. He started with us after last year's Currie Cup, when he played for the Bulls. He did the medical scans on his first day with us, we don't allow any player to train with the team before you have passed the medicals," he told SportsBoom.co.za. 

"He did his medicals and was cleared to play. He had his own specialist that he has been seeing for the last 5-6 years. He was the fittest in the team. He had a very good pre-season."

"The first time we noticed something was wrong was in a training session, where he felt a bit dizzy. The doctor immediately pulled him, the doctor initially thought he might have had a concussion as we did a breakdown drill. But all the players that were involved mentioned he didn't get a knock to the head and that's when we started to monitor him a bit closer."
 

Final Matches and a Difficult Decision

Although Hendricks played a few matches this season, his appearances dwindled, raising questions from fans. Fourie revealed that concerns began to mount after a match against the Valke.

"In a game against Valke in Kempton Park. Allie Coetzee [management] noticed that something was wrong. He didn't chase and his work rate was low. I spoke to him the following week Monday [24th March] and we decided to give him a week off and send him for tests, to make sure that everything was fine."

"He saw the specialist [Basson] that he had to see every year to clear him and play for the next 12 months. Then he said Cornal must stop playing, that was 3 weeks ago. But the last game that he played for Boland was on 22nd March."

"Since then we have used Cornal as a mentor for the younger players in the team. And I discussed with him to be a coach in the younger structures and we mutually decided to end his contract and apply him somewhere else in our system."

Boland’s Return to the Top Flight

Despite the emotional toll, Boland achieved a major milestone by earning a spot in the Premier Division—their first in nine years. The promotion came after a strong showing in the SA Cup, finishing fourth and competing closely in the semi-final against the Pumas.

"It has been 9 years since Boland has played in the top division of the Currie Cup. We have a big union with a lot of players, clubs and passionate supporters. I feel it's a great thing for the Boland Rugby Union to be back in the top flight. To inspire all the club players and school players...we want to get the new Cornal Hendricks' through the system."

Realistic Goals, Long-Term Vision

As the team eyes the Premier Division, Fourie remains pragmatic. While he dreams of trophies, he acknowledges the steep climb ahead.

“The First Division was easier. In the Premier Division, we’re aiming for a semi-final spot. There are seven quality teams—we’ll be underdogs. But we want to change that narrative.”

Fourie, a proven winner with success at Maties, the Cheetahs, and now Boland, is focused on sustainable growth.

“This isn’t about a quick fix. It’s about building a team that can compete and bring pride to Boland. Our long-term goal is to win trophies and rebuild the legacy of Boland Rugby.”

A Legacy that Lives On

Cornal Hendricks may no longer grace the field, but his legacy—of perseverance, excellence, and community spirit—will be the torch Boland Rugby carries forward.

"He was a great person, a great ambassador for Boland Rugby and rugby in general. He cared about his community and the people around him. We have lost an icon in Boland Rugby." Fourie said. 

“But we’ll honour him by giving everything on and off the field, just like he did.”