Mourners gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Cornal Hendricks

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An outpouring of love and respect flooded the NG Kerk in Wellington as hundreds gathered on Sunday to honour the late Cornal Hendricks, a former Springbok rugby player, whose untimely passing at just 37 years of age has left a profound impact on the sports community and beyond.

Hendricks tragically suffered a heart attack, a grim culmination of his long battle with a heart condition diagnosed in 2015.

His legacy looms large in South African rugby, having made his debut for the Springboks in 2014. Over the span of his career, he played in 12 Test matches, scoring five tries and contributing to a team that celebrated remarkable victories. However, the tributes at the memorial service have extended far beyond his statistics on the pitch, highlighting the man he was off it.

Among the mourners was Jake White, the Director of Vodacom Bulls and former coach of the Springboks, who praised Hendricks not only for his on-field skills but also for his character and dedication.

According to SABC, Pastor Robbie Brazelle, a close friend of Hendricks, delivered a heartfelt tribute that resonated through the hearts of attendees. “He was a dedicated and hard-working individual committed to both his rugby career and helping others,”Brazelle said. “Hendricks brought life into many people’s lives.”

Throughout the service, Browning’s words echoed the sentiments of those present: a true testament to Hendricks’s character was evident in the overflowing crowd. “And that’s why he served God in such a way. That’s why he had such an impact on all of your lives. That’s why this building is too small. That’s why these memorial services are more than one.”

This sentiment was reflected not only in the numerous attendees but also through initiatives undertaken by schools and the rugby fraternity to honour his memory. It became clear that the outpouring of grief over Hendricks’s passing was not simply for the footballer, but for the beacon of hope and inspiration he was to many.