The coach was overcome with emotion after an incredibly difficult week for his team
Bulls head coach Jake White broke down in tears during a press conference ahead of his side’s clash with the Dragons, following the death of former player Cornal Hendricks.
South Africa international Hendricks passed away at the age of just 37 on Wednesday evening after suffering a heart attack, 10 years on from being diagnosed with a serious heart condition that saw him retire from professional rugby. However, the 12-cap Springbok returned to the game and spent five seasons with the Bulls after receiving a second medical opinion before hanging up his boots for good last year.
The tragedy has left South African rugby in shock with tributes pouring in for the much-loved player, and White was overcome with emotion when discussing Hendricks ahead of the clash with the Dragons in Pretoria on Saturday, breaking down in tears during Friday’s press conference.
According to reports from South Africa, the coach said he had been wanting the former centre to return to the Bulls to take a management role at the club, before tragedy struck. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
White added that the team had been greatly affected by Hendrick’s death and had asked not to train ahead of their meeting with the Welsh region, who are bottom of the URC table.
“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,” he 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.”
The coach added that Springboks full-back Willie le Roux had been particularly affected by the sudden loss, having played alongside Hendricks at Boland, Free State and the Bulls as well as on the international stage.
“You don’t think it affects a guy like Willie because he’s a new guy in the Bulls set up but even him…,” White continued. “I am sure the emotions will be big tomorrow 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.”
Tributes are set to be held in memory of Hendricks ahead of Saturday’s match, with Bulls flags set to fly at half-mast at the stadium and a minute’s silence due to be held.
There is also set to be applause in the 14th minute of the game, in a nod to Hendricks’ former jersey number.
White’s emotional words come after Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia also paid tribute to the late Springbok, describing him as an “inspirational player”.
“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.”
Dragons centre Aneurin Owen added: “On behalf of all our players, we are all saddened to hear of Cornal Hendricks’ passing. As a player and fellow centre, he was someone I admired with an incredible highlights reel of top moments, especially with ball in hand.
“Along with the rest of the team, I wish to send my condolences to his friends and family along with the Bulls team.”
