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Cape Town - Former Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks is confident that he has overcome his heart ailment and is ready to play rugby again.
The 29-year-old, who represented the Springboks in 12 Tests, was diagnosed with a heart ailment in 2016 which threatened to end his career.
Hendricks attempted to make a comeback this year, but missed out on contracts at French club Toulon and the Bulls due to medical reasons.
He had been ruled out of rugby at the beginning of last season soon after signing with the Stormers in Super Rugby.
He didn't play a game for the Cape Town-based franchise, and when a routine SA Rugby test revealed his condition, he was forced into early retirement.
Hendricks also played Super Rugby for the Cheetahs and was previously a stand-out for South Africa's sevens team, winning Commonwealth gold in Glasgow in 2014.
He has since returned to training with the Cheetahs and is hoping to make a comeback.
In a video posted on his official Twitter page, Hendricks reiterated that he had not given up on his dream of playing competitive rugby, insisting his heart condition "is a thing of the past".
"I played at the Hong Kong Tens (in April)... and my heart condition is a thing of the past. I’m looking forward to a new journey and I’m very excited for this year,” he says in the video.
“Sometimes people will tell you a lot of stuff, but it’s about what you believe in. What you believe in is what’s going to make your adversity easier. I also believe it’s never a failure, it’s always a lesson.”
I shared my story at #TrainWithCheetahs with @Vodacom Red. pic.twitter.com/ru1iVtIKlA
— Cornal Hendricks (@CornalHendricks) May 10, 2017
