Warren Abrahams: South African Rugby Coach Tragically Passes Away at Age 43 in Kenya
- South African rugby coach Warren Abrahams has passed on while working with the Belgian women's national team in Nairobi
- The former England Sevens coach, who was born in Cape Town, also had stints with the United States of America and Wales Women
- Abrahams' death generated several condolence messages from South Africans and others on social media
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The South African rugby community has been thrown into mourning as Mzansi rugby coach, Warren Abrahams, tragically passed away at the age of 43.
Source: Getty Images
The South African rugby coach was the current Belgium women's national sevens rugby team mentor, and he was with the team at the ongoing Safari Sevens tournament in Nairobi, Kenya.
Abrahams hailed from Durbanville, Cape Town, and played for both Durbanville-Bellville and Stellenbosch University before transitioning into coaching. He quickly earned a reputation for his innovative methods, particularly in the Sevens format of the game.
Abrahams gained coaching experience with Harlequins, England Sevens, and the United States of America Rugby before becoming the head coach of Wales Women in 2020.
Abrahams death came after the passing of Springboks legend Jan Boland and South African coach Bevin Fortuin.
Tributes pour in as Abrahams passes on
While the exact cause of Abrahams' death has not been officially confirmed, unverified reports indicate that he collapsed at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, received treatment at the scene, and was then rushed to a hospital in the city, where he later passed away.
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Belgium decided to withdraw from the Safari Sevens tournament after the unfortunate incident. The federation released an official statement confirming the team's return home, as the players needed help to process the coach's death.
Source: Getty Images
“The Belgium federation expressed that Warren was far more than just a coach—he was a mentor, a leader, and above all, a kind and generous human being," the statement reads.
"His smile, wisdom, and the calm strength he brought to the team will never be forgotten. The team has already returned to Belgium and will continue to receive psychological support to help them process this personal loss. Our thoughts are with Warren’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.”
Fans mourn the death of Abrahams
TomOHanlon17 said:
"Sad news indeed. Though why would you describe him first as a former Wales coach, instead of his current role as Belgium head coach?"
TheRugbyDao wrote:
"Such a loss to the rugby community. Condolences to his loved ones and all who worked with him 🕊️ - he was an amazing man, a true gentleman."
Trav_HK responded:
"So incredibly sad to hear 😔 learned a lot from Warren 👏🏽."
Matt Webster reacted:
"RIP Warren very sad news, spent some time together at Windsor Rugby Club."
PRS_rugbycoach shared:
"So sad to hear this news. Saw him play @RichmondFC1861 and watched him coach my two sons @Harlequins academy. Became friends and followed his career as he set out on his own. Lovely man."
Brian McArdle commented:
"Warren spent a year helping to coach the students at the bulmershe school and was amazing, innovative, kind, caring and funny. An absolute gentleman."
A1exhall added:
"Having been coached by Warren I’m devastated to learn of his passing. A wonderful person and an incredible coach. He helped me elevate my 7s play and always brought innovative/imaginative ideas to the team. Such sad news but we should all be proud of his contribution to the game."
Ex-Comrades Marathon winner passes away
Briefly News also reported that a former Comrade Marathon winner died while on vacation with her family.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has expressed deep sorrow by releasing an official statement about the tragic news.
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Source: Briefly News
