Farewell Warren Abrahams, a vibrant rugby coach gone too soon

“THE good die young” is something we often hear these days. But nothing could have prepared me for the shock news of the passing of 42-year-old Cape Town-born rugby coach Warren Abrahams, pictured, on Friday night.

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Rugby has lost one of its most vibrant and dedicated coaches after Abrahams collapsed next to the field at the Safari Sevens tournament in Nairobi, Kenya, while in charge of the Belgium Women’s sevens team.

His death came as a huge shock to the rugby community. In response, the Belgian Rugby Federation withdrew their team from the tournament and announced immediate support for players and staff as they dealt with the loss.

Abrahams had joined the Belgium Women’s sevens team as head coach in recent years, bringing with him a wealth of experience gained through roles at Harlequins Academy, the Wales Women’ national team, and the sevens programmes of England and the United States.

Tributes have poured in from across the sport for a man known as much for his warmth and mentorship as for his tactical acumen.

Abrahams began his rugby journey as a fast, hot-stepping schoolboy talent, which earned him a bursary to study at the University of Stellenbosch, where he cut his teeth in the game. However, injuries curtailed his playing career and he later moved to the UK, where he took up coaching.