Springboks wing Willie le Roux moved fans to tears with an emotional Instagram post, paying tribute to his close friend and former teammate, Cornal Hendricks, who sadly passed away on 14 May.
Willie and Cornal shared a special bond both on and off the field during their time with the Springboks, and Willie has been deeply affected by the loss of his friend. While many of South Africa’s rugby players and legends expressed their condolences, Willie took a moment to gather his thoughts before sharing a message.
A Simple, Emotional Farewell
Though his words were few, Willie’s grief was palpable. He posted a heartfelt message, simply stating:
“RIP my vriend @cornalhendricks”.
Fans quickly responded, with many remembering the strong friendship between the two. They expressed their sorrow and offered words of comfort to Willie during this tough time.
- @R I A A N V A N W Y K wrote: “What a great combo you guys were! ”
- @Jerid-lee Waries commented: “You two were such close friends, what a special guy, forever in our hearts.”
- @Amanda added: “Ai, Willie, it’s so sad Treasure all those awesome memories ”
- @Lindy White expressed: “Willie, it’s so hard for those left behind. You have the best memories of a superb human being and friend. My sincere condolences. Cornal is at peace.”
It wasn’t just Willie who felt the loss deeply; Bryan Habana also shared a moving tribute to Cornal.
Bryan Habana’s Heartfelt Letter
Unlike Willie, who kept his tribute brief, Bryan Habana penned a long, emotional message remembering Cornal. He wrote:
“Still struggling to find the words or come to terms with this. Heartbroken to wake up to news that still feels unreal,” Habana began.
He continued:
“A true warrior on the field, but an even bigger inspiration off it. When he entered a room, his energy lit it up, and his zest for life was infectious.”
Bryan also reflected on Cornal Hendricks’ resilience:
“Cornal’s journey reminds us that resilience isn’t just a trait; it’s a way of life. From setbacks to stunning comebacks, from humble beginnings to the world’s biggest stage, every team he represented, he did so with pride, passion, purpose, and an unwavering desire to contribute positively.”
Bryan ended his tribute by offering his condolences to the Hendricks family, acknowledging the painful loss.
