Bulls director of rugby Jake White said he had been asking Cornal Hendricks to return to Loftus in a mentorship or coaching capacity before he died.
Bulls director of rugby Jake White broke down in tears while speaking about the passing of former Springbok Cornal Hendricks during a press conference on Friday.
He met media at Loftus ahead of their United Rugby Championship game against Dragons at the Pretoria stadium on Saturday, where Bulls flags would fly at half-mast, a minute’s silence would be held, and there would be applause in the 14th minute (Hendricks’ jersey number).
Dragons coach Filo Tiatia, along with a handful of the Welsh side’s players, arrived after the press conference to lay flowers down at the iconic Loftus bull statue, where fans have been paying tribute since news of Hendricks’ death emerged.
White wanted to bring Cornal back to Loftus
Hendricks passed away in his home town of Wellington on Wednesday night, apparently due to a heart attack.
White said he had been busy asking Hendricks to return to the Bulls, where he returned to the game following a health scare due to his heart condition, and played 73 times for the team between 2017 and 2024. Thereafter, Hendricks joined his first club, Boland, helping them back into the Currie Cup Premier Division.
White said he had been wanting Hendricks to take a management role, possibly as a mentor for the juniors and/or a coaching position.
He said his team had been greatly affected by the loss, and had asked to not train on Thursday.
“It made me realise when they didn’t want to train – and I don’t say it like that – when they didn’t feel like they were up for it. You take a lot of things for granted,” White said.
“Maybe a reality check like that makes them relook at where they are as rugby players, which is part of my job as well, to get them to realise that where they are and what they are doing is not really the real world. It’s very nice while it lasts but it’s not really how the real world operates.”
Willie le Roux was one of the most affected
He said Springbok fullback Willie le Roux, who paid tribute through a heartfelt statement of “an absolute legend” on Thursday, had been particularly affected by the loss, having played with Hendricks at the Springboks, Boland, Free State and Bulls.
“You don’t think it affects a guy like Willie because he’s a new guy in the Bulls set up but even him…
“I am sure the emotions will be big tomorrow (Saturday) whether you talk about it or not, whether you put a picture up. It will be a tough thing for players anyway because of the fact that he was so well liked.”
Dragons pay tribute to Cornal Hendricks
After laying flowers down at Loftus, Dragons coach Filo Tiatia said he was deeply saddened to hear of the loss.
“Having coached sides against Cornal, I witnessed first-hand his athleticism, footwork, pace,
and power with his side-stepping and fend a constant threat,” he said.
“Cornal was a player I greatly admired, and he was an inspirational player to watch on
the field but also away from the action with his work in the wider community.
“I wish to personally send out my sympathies to his friends and family along with the wider
Bulls family.”
