Springbok flyhalf and former Bulls player Handre Pollard has paid tribute to his late teammate Cornal Hendricks, who tragically died of a heart attack at the age of 37 years old.
The rugby player was diagnosed with a heart condition a decade ago.
Meanwhile, Pollard is set to return to the Pretoria club after playing abroad for the last five years.
HANDRE POLLARD REMEMBERS EX BULLS TEAMMATE
In an Instagram Story, Handre Pollard posted an image of himself alongside his former Bulls teammate, Cornal Hendricks.
“RIP my brother”, he captioned the post.
Image via Instagram: @handrepollard
The late rugby player joined the Pretoria club in 2019 – the year in which Pollard left the club – where he played until last year. Hendriks played with the likes of stars like Duane Vermeulen, RG Snyman, and Marco van Staden.
Cornal Hendricks also represented South Africa, initially as part of the Sevens squad from 2012-2014. From 2014- 2015, he made 12 test match appearances for the Springboks.
‘AN INSPIRATIONAL FIGURE’
Meanwhile, Bulls boss Edgar Rathbone shared his condolences to the family of Cornal Hendricks.
He said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened and still trying to come to terms with the passing of Cornal, a loved member of the Loftus family who was more than a talented player.
“He knew how to deliver just the right dose of energy to help lift a room. He was an iconic teammate, a friend for many seasons, and an inspirational figure in the locker room.
“A brother, a son, and an inspiration to both the old and young. A man with such an infectious smile that brightened our world, and above all, we knew Cornal as a proud dad to his young kids.”
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife, children, and everyone else who is affected by his untimely and tragic death. A special player who defied all the odds and became our inspiration for everyone, may he rest in perfect peace.”
Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie also remembered the fallen star.
In a social media post, he shared: “Rest in perfect peace, Cornal Hendricks, you have made your mark by inspiring many. Death be not proud”.
DO YOU HAVE ANY RUGBY MEMORIES OF CORNAL HENDRICKS?
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