Blue Bulls executive Edgar Rathbone has revealed that the late Cornal Hendricks had been cleared to resume his rugby career by controversial cardiologist, Dr Wouter Basson.
The former Springbok died from a suspected heart attack on Wednesday evening, nine years after being diagnosed with a heart condition that brought an abrupt halt to his rugby career.
In 2019, Hendricks resumed his career after being cleared to play by his doctor, now revealed to have been Basson, according to a News24 report.
‘Dr Death’, as Basson was known, was alleged to have been involved in the killing of 200 prisoners during Apartheid.
“I need to state this categorically that, at that stage, we got medical advice from Dr Wouter Basson and got that on a yearly basis to get him cleared,” Bulls’ boss Rathbone was quoted by the publication.
“The reality was that rugby wasn’t going to make it worse, but there was always going to be an issue with his heart whether he plays or doesn’t play rugby.
“It could have an impact in the long term.”
Hendricks made his Springboks debut in 2014, playing 12 Tests and scoring five tries. His career was brought to an end briefly after his diagnosis.
After four years in the wilderness, Hendricks was given a lifeline by the Bulls, where he won the Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup titles with the Bulls. In the 2021-22 season, he was awarded the player of the tournament award during the Currie Cup.
In 2022, Hendricks was close to Springbok selection after playing a starring role for Jake White’s team at inside centre. However, he was left out of the squad after then-Bok coach Jacques Nienaber confirmed that the SA Rugby medical team had not given him the “green light” for selection.
Hendricks left the Bulls in 2024 after earning 115 caps and scoring 34 tries across all competitions.
IOL Sport
