Springbok Cornal Hendricks’ death had nothing to do with the fact that he was playing rugby.
That’s the view of Hendricks’ Cardiologist, Dr Wouter Basson, after the well-loved rugby player died on Wednesday night of a suspected heart attack.
Hendricks, who was diagnosed with the heart condition late in 2015, and missed two years of rugby because no team would take the risk of playing him with the condition, was finally given the chance to return to the rugby field in 2019 when the Vodacom Bulls offered him a contract.
But before he could sign the contract, Hendricks was put through a variety of tests and cleared to play rugby again.
The Bulls also revealed that he had been regularly tested and cleared every year that he played for the team and there were never any red flags that would have prevented him from playing.
On Thursday, Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said that there was never any regret about signing Hendricks regarding his condition.
“No, look, I need to state categorically that it was at that stage we got medical advice from Dr. Wouter Basson and we got that on a yearly basis as well to get him cleared,” Rathbone said.
“And the reality always was that rugby won't make it worse, but there will always be an issue with his heart - whether he plays rugby or whether he doesn't play rugby - it could have an impact in the long term.”
FOLLOWING MEDICAL ADVICE
Rathbone added that it was never a concern in the team environment and Hendricks followed the medical advice.
“No, not at all, not at all. Look, these things obviously happen and there is no perfect time for it to happen. But Cornal lived for the game and as close as the Bulls were to his heart, his chance to go back to Boland and help them get into the Currie Cup, was probably a good thing for him.”
Dr Basson told Supersport.com that Hendricks’ death wasn’t because of him returning to the rugby field.
“I can’t discuss Cornal’s medical diagnosis, but one thing I can say is that him playing rugby had nothing to do with his death,” Dr Basson said.
“He was monitored continually all the time and we took a young man a couple of years ago that was completely down and had nobody to support him and gave him a few more years to be productive in the game he loved.
“He was a very brave man, he worked hard and changed the Bulls team when he arrived in Pretoria. He got them to run straight and attack well.”
PAYING RESPECT
The Welsh team, Dragons, who face the Bulls on Saturday, laid flowers at a pre-designated spot on Friday to honour him with their coach Filo Tiatia saying his side was “deeply saddened by 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.”
The Bulls will hold a moment's silence in honour of Hendricks on Saturday ahead of the game against the Dragons. They will also hold a minute of applause in the 14th minute to pay tribute to Hendricks’ jersey number.