Cornal Hendricks, born on 18 April 1988, is a former star member of the Springbok Sevens team and a notable South African rugby union player. He currently represents the Bulls in Super Rugby, the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup, and the Blue Bulls XV in the Rugby Challenge. Hendricks is recognized for his exceptional speed and skill as a winger.
Hendricks' rugby journey began with the Boland Cavaliers, where he represented the team in various underage competitions before earning a spot in the first team. He made his debut for the Boland Cavaliers against the Free State Cheetahs in the 2008 Currie Cup Premier Division season and continued to be a regular player for the team over the next five seasons.
In 2014, Hendricks signed a contract with the Cheetahs, joining them for the Super Rugby season. He made his Super Rugby debut and scored a try in a match against the Lions, showcasing his abilities on the field. Hendricks' outstanding performances caught the attention of the national team selectors, and he was called up to the Springboks in June 2014. He made his debut for the Springboks against Wales, marking the beginning of his international career.
Unfortunately, in early 2016, Hendricks faced a serious heart condition that forced him to temporarily stop his playing career. However, he made a triumphant return to rugby and was signed by Toulon as an injury replacement for wing Drew Mitchell. Shortly after, Hendricks joined the Blue Bulls for medical and fitness testing in February 2017.
In the 2017-18 PRO14 campaign, Hendricks agreed to join the Southern Kings, further expanding his rugby experience. Despite facing challenges with his health, Hendricks remained determined and resilient, proving his passion for the sport.
With his impressive performances and experience, Hendricks was once again cleared to play and signed a deal with the Bulls ahead of the 2019 Super Rugby season. Since then, he has become an integral part of the Bulls team, amassing 46 Super Rugby appearances and scoring 90 points as of June 2020.
Throughout his career, Hendricks has achieved various honors and accolades. He was named the Currie Cup Player of the Year in the 2020-21 season and has been a part of the Bulls' successes, including winning the Currie Cup in 2020-21 and the United Rugby Championship runner-up in 2021-22.
Despite facing setbacks, Hendricks' resilience and determination have enabled him to overcome challenges and continue making valuable contributions to the sport he loves. His skill, speed, and dedication make him a respected winger and a significant asset to his teams.
KG(20/05/2023)
Career
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Boland Cavaliers Left Wing |
2024 - present |
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South Africa Right Wing |
2014 - 2015 |
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Cheetahs Right Wing |
2014 - 2015 |
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Free State Cheetahs Left Wing |
2014 - 2015 |
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Stormers Right Wing |
2016 - 2017 |
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Southern Kings Left Wing |
2017 - 2019 |
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Barbarians Left Wing |
2019 - 2019 |
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Bulls Inside Centre |
2019 - 2024 |
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Blue Bulls Inside Centre |
2019 - 2024 |
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South Africa A Right Wing |
2022 - 2024 |
