Bulls flags at half-mast as fans invited to lay wreaths for Cornal Hendricks

The Bulls have invited fans to pay tribute to the late Cornal Hendricks by laying flowers or any tokens of remembrance, such as letters or notes, at the iconic bull statue at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

This will be available via the ground’s main gate from 6am to 7pm daily until next week Friday.

Then this Saturday, when the Bulls play their last regular-season United Rugby Championship match against Dragons, the stadium’s Bulls flags will be flown at half-mast as a sign of respect.

There will also be a moment of silence and a minute’s applause at the 14th minute (Hendricks’ number) of the match.

Hendricks remembered

Hendricks, a 12-cap Springbok, was a Bulls veteran with 73 caps for the Pretoria union though he started and ended his career at Boland. His Springbok dream was cut short in 2015 when he had to take a three-year break from the game after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition and was told to quit the game.

He never gave up, however, and made a return with the Bulls in 2017, where he won the Currie Cup and Super Rugby Unlocked titles with the team.

Hendricks was a devastating winger who later on evolved his game and became an equally impactful centre with a zeal for life.

He passed away in his home town of Wellington on Wednesday night, reportedly due to a heart attack.

Tributes have poured in from players, unions and politicians across the country.

A friend, leader and light

Speaking on behalf of MyPlayers, the rugby players’ and match officials’ organisation, former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said Hendricks was a true example of perseverance, humility and strength.

“Cornal was a teammate, but more than that, he was a brother,” De Villiers said. “He was down-to-earth, humble and had the biggest heart. That’s how we all knew him. He had this incredible energy that filled every room and lifted everyone around him.”

De Villiers said Hendricks’ journey was never easy but he faced every challenge with courage and faith.

“He carried himself with humility, always putting others first, always showing up with a smile. He gave so much to the game and even more to the people in it.

“His loss is heartbreaking. We’ve lost a giant of a human being and he will be missed deeply, not just as a rugby player, but as a friend, a leader and a light in our rugby family.”

‘Cornal faced challenges many wouldn’t come back from’

Springbok fullback Willie le Roux said he still remembered Hendricks’ Springbok debut against Wales in 2014, where he passed the ball to Hendricks to score in his first game.

“He wore his heart on his sleeve – an absolute legend,” Le Roux said. “When he walked into a room, he lit it up. He was funny, always had jokes and his attitude was something truly special. Cornal faced challenges many wouldn’t come back from, but he did, and with grace. We’ve lost a fighter and he’ll be deeply missed.”

Former Springbok and Cheetahs teammate, Oupa Mohoje, said: “The bereavement of Cornal came as a massive shock to all of us, a person who truly energised the room with positive energy wherever he was. He will sorely be missed. Condolences to his family. May they be strong during this time.”