VIDEO: 'He will be missed, but he won't be forgotten'
The emotion was palpable as Blue Bulls Company Chief Executive Edgar Rathbone paid a heartfelt tribute to departed Springbok Cornal Hendricks.
They weren’t mere words written in a media statement.
Rathbone had to choke back the tears and tremors in his voice as the emotion of the occasion got the better of him.
Hendricks, 37, passed away on Wednesday evening after a reported heart attack.
The Paarl native, who made the last of his 12 Test appearances against New Zealand at Ellis Park in July 2015, made more than 100 appearances for the Bulls in various competitions.
He started at the Boland Cavaliers (68 games between 2008-12), before moving to the Cheetahs (2014), where he became a Springbok, before a heart condition temporarily halted his glittering career.
After numerous well-documented struggles, he was given a new lease on life by the Bulls in 2019 and returned to Boland for a career swansong.
His last appearance for the Cavaliers was against the Falcons in Round Three of the SA Cup earlier this year.
Rathbone described Hendricks as the ‘heart and soul’ of the Bulls, a jovial personality that led the team’s chant: ‘Amabielie’.
The teams did the chant in honour of their fallen teammate ahead of a training session on Thursday, as they are preparing for a Round 18 United Rugby Championship face-off with the Dragons at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
“I got emotional,” he said of Thursday’s rendition, adding: “It brings back so many memories.”
* (Article continues below the AmaBielie performance ….)
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The Bulls boss described it as his toughest media briefing of his career.
“Today [Thursday], all the messages we get from all over, [it shows] he was such a loved person by everybody.
“I don’t think anybody in this room or outside can say anything bad about Cornal.
“That’s testimony to the person he is.
“Our thoughts and prayers are obviously with Stephaney, his wife, and the three kids. I don’t think some words can console them at this time. I think we can just show our respect to them as a family and the person that Cornal was.
“He will be unbelievably missed. And just the way Cornel was always the same person, whether he was selected or not.
“I remember a video. It was sent on the team’s WhatsApp group the morning of the match against the Stormers last year, which was a sold-out match. And he was in his yard without a shirt, and he dumped water over himself, then he did the Amabielie with so much passion.
“He will be missed, but he won’t be forgotten.”
(WATCH as Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone gives an emotional and heartfelt tribute to the late Springbok Cornal Hendricks….)
Rathbone said there was a ‘great sadness’ in and around Loftus Versfeld, as well as the rest of the Bulls’ community.
“There was a sombre mood around the camp this morning.
“We had a light training session this morning, and the rest of the day will be off. I think it’s very hard for anybody to focus at this stage with the news only breaking this morning. So I think we’ll regroup and take it again tomorrow.
“I think it makes you realise, again, there are bigger things than rugby.”
The conversation quickly turned to Hendrick’s well-documented heart condition, which caused certain conditions to be waived from the medical insurance when he joined the Bulls in 2019.
Rathbone said there was never a concern about his health.
“No, look, I need to state categorically that it was at that stage we got medical advice from doctor Wouter Basson, and we got that every year as well to get him cleared,” the CEO said.
“And the reality always was that rugby won’t make it worse, but there will always be an issue with his heart – whether he plays rugby or whether he doesn’t play rugby – it could have an impact in the long term.”
* Meanwhile, the Bulls revealed that they will honour Hendricks with a moment of silence before Saturday’s game against the Dragons as well as a minute of applause in the 14th minute of the game, symbolising his No.14 jersey.
Fans and the community at large can also drop off their tokens of remembrance – daily – between 06.00 and 19.00, using the main gate of Loftus Versfeld.
It will continue until next Friday, May 23.
* The players’ union, MyPlayers, also paid their tribute to Hendricks.
Jean de Villiers, Chairperson of MyPlayers and former Bok captain, said Hendricks was more than just a teammate.
“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.
“His 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.”
Tributes from the player community:
Oupa Mohoje, former teammate: “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.”
Deon Davids, Springbok assistant coach and former Boland Cavaliers coach: “During my tenure as the coach of the Boland Cavaliers, with Louis Koen as my assistant, it was brought to our attention that a young man showed tremendous potential. He had just finished school and was part of the Boland Under-19 group. After watching one of his games, we immediately invited him to the broader Boland Cavaliers squad. Three weeks later, he was starting and taking his first steps into the professional game. He impressed me with his character, skill and work ethic. Even when his career was put on hold, his perseverance, faith in God and gratitude remained unwavering. Cornal’s journey reminded us all how to treasure your talent, overcome adversity, and live a life of service. It was a privilege to be part of your rugby journey. May your dear soul rest in peace.”
Willie le Roux, Springbok fullback and long-time friend: “Cornal and I started our journey together at the Boland Academy in 2008. We played club rugby against each other, Wellington versus Roses before linking up again at the Cheetahs. I was there for his Springbok debut in 2014 and still remember passing him the ball against Wales for his first try. He wore his heart on his sleeve – an absolute legend. 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.”
Rest in peace, Cornal. You inspired us in life, and your legacy will continue to do so.
@king365ed
@rugby365com
* Video credits: octafield & Kyle Brown
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