It wasn’t very long ago that Cornal Hendricks donned the Bok green and gold, winning many fans over with his hard-working attitude and finishing qualities.

In fact he appeared as recently as July of last year, taking on the mighty All Blacks in Jozi. It looks like that will be his final test match unfortunately, with Sport24 carrying this:

Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks’ career is seemingly over due to a serious heart condition.

Hendricks, who has played 12 Tests in green and gold, was set to turn out for the Stormers in this year’s Super Rugby competition after moving from the Cheetahs…

Although not confirmed officially, Twitter was abuzz with news of Hendricks unfortunate predicament.

Back in February there was some mention of the story, again on Sport24:

Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks rugby career is hanging in the balance due to a serious heart condition..

Questions were raised when Blitzboks Cheslin Kolbe and Juan de Jongh were released to the Stormers, but not Hendricks.

Hendricks is contracted to SARU and the rugby governing body did not want to comment when probed about Hendricks’ condition.

The Stormers have also remained mum on his condition.

It is believed that Hendricks will have to be given clearance by several specialists before SARU of the Stormers will allow him to play.

What a shame for the winger, who will turn 28 later this month.

It’s also interesting that we have heard so little on the matter from SARU, with some folks on Twitter saying that contractual issues have meant that both the union and the player have had to remain silent.

Whatever the case, it remains a terrible blow for someone who was just beginning to establish himself as a Bok regular.

[sources:sport24&sport24]