McNeil Hendricks

McNeil Hendricks (born 10 July 1973),^[1] also known as "Maccie", is a former South African rugby union player who played primarily as a wing. He starred in the movie Invictus, in which he played the role of Chester Williams.

Life and career

Hendricks was born in Malmesbury. He attended St Thomas Primary School and finally matriculated at Schoonspruit Senior Secondary. Hendricks rose to prominence in the 1997 Currie Cup as a wing playing for Boland. This Boland team was coached by Nick Mallet and caused numerous upsets. Hendricks moved to the Blue Bulls rugby team in 1998 after impressing with Boland for three seasons. Hendricks however played during a dark time of Bulls rugby and therefore his talents were not fully exposed.

After the emergence of numerous other young wings Hendricks was forced to look elsewhere for regular first team rugby. He was snapped up by the Bloemfontein based Cheetahs in the 2003 season. After a disappointing season with the Cheetahs Hendricks signed with the Kimberly based Griquas team. He played for one season which was hampered by injury.

In a bid to rejuvenate his ailing career Hendricks signed with Western Province in 2004. He had a mediocre Vodacom Cup in which he was again hampered with injuries. He retired after the end of his contract came up.

Hendricks made his debut for the Springbok team against Ireland as a reserve in 1998. In total he played in two tests scoring one try.

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