The Vodacom Bulls will lead tributes to decorated former player, Cornal Hendricks, who passed on Wednesday evening in his home town of Wellington at just 37 years of age.
Hendricks had concluded his contract with the Vodacom Bulls at the end of the 2024 campaign, after six years in the capital and returned to his native land, where he was a part of the Boland rugby professional setup, helping them qualify for the 2025 Currie Cup campaign. The colourful backliner last ran out for the Tshwane franchise in round six of the 2024 domestic campaign, featuring at inside centre. He was also appointed by head coach Phiwe Nomlomo as the season’s vice-captain to Nizaam Carr.
The team and fans will have the opportunity to pay their last respects on Saturday during round 18 of the 2024/25 Vodacom United Rugby Championship, with a moment of silence and a minute’s applause at the 14th minute, an iconic number that Hendricks owned with his blistering pace.Vodacom Bulls flags around the stadium will also be flown at half mast, a sign and mark of respect to the Hendricks family during this difficult time.
Supporters are also encouraged to lay flowers or any tokens of remembrance, such as letters or notes, to the grieving family at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The iconic Loftus bull statue will be demarcated as the drop-off point for fans who wish to come and pay their last respects to a one-of-a-kind player and human.
Fans and the community at large can bring their tokens of remembrance – daily – between 06h00am and 19h00pm, using the main gate of the ground. This will be done until next week Friday, 23 May 2025.
