The world wide, rugby community has been shaken by a seismic shift when Warren Abrahams who had currently been coaching Belgium’s National Women’s Sevens Rugby team, died in Nairobi, Kenya when he was guiding the team at the Safari Sevens Tournament. He was forty-three. Abrahams was born in Durbanville, in Cape Town. He began his rugby sporting career representing Durbanville-Bellville and Stellenbosch University before moving into coaching. Abrahams quickly became highly-respected for his innovative approach to the professional sport, particularly at sevens level. Abrahams will be sorely missed due to his dedication to rugby. It has yet to be revealed what his cause of death was.
“His smile, wisdom and calm strength he brought to the team will never be forgotten… The team has returned to Belgium already 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.” In a statement, the Kenya Rugby Union expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death. “The Kenya Rugby Union deeply mourns the untimely demise of Warren Abrahams, Coach of the Belgium Ladies National Sevens Team, who passed away on Friday, 10th October, while on tour for the 2025 Safari Sevens in Nairobi,” said KRU.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Belgian rugby fraternity during this difficult time. Warren’s passion, professionalism, and dedication to the game will be fondly remembered by all. May his soul rest in peace.”
Abrahams as coach will be remembered for character, strength of purpose and discipline. He coached the respective rugby teams under his watch with patience and perseverance. The Belgium Ladies National Sevens Team will have a tough time recovering from the loss. They have lost both a coach and a guide. It is also good that the Kenyan Rugby Union Expressed its own condolences. Abrahams will be sorely missed both in South Africa and across the world. As an excellent athlete, trainer and coach he had a fulfilling career. Rugby can be a rough and ruthless sport and Abrahams made his mark on it.
To die at the age of forty-three would be both a shock and devastation to his family and friends. Death can come at any time to anyone. Men such as Abrahams will be remembered for the dedication and focus, he devoted to rugby and his career.
He had also worked as a consultant at Brazil’s women’s sevens team before making the move to Belgium earlier this year. The Belgium team have withdrawn from the tournament in Kenya. The Welsh Rugby Union said: ‘Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Warren Abrahams from everyone in Welsh rugby.’ Harlequins added: ‘Everyone at Harlequins is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former Academy Coach, Warren Abrahams. ‘Warren made an enduring impact on the club during his time with the academy from 2011 to 2019. ‘His passion, leadership and commitment to developing players were felt not only at Harlequins (Academy), but throughout the wider rugby world during his distinguished career.’
‘Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Warren’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.’
Abrahams had specialized in women’s rugby. His career took him from South Africa across the world. Meanwhile the respectful withdrawal of the Belgian Ladies rugby team from the tournament in Kenya shows that the team will take time to recover. Meanwhile condolences are coming in from world wide reflecting Warren’s career and legacy. Abrahams will certainly be added to the countless legends in the annals of South African and international rugby. Men like Abrahams are hard to make. His integrity and resilience on the pitch will leave much to be desired. Good men may pass on but legacies are made forever. South Africa, Brazil, Wales in the United Kingdom Belgium was touched by Abrahams’ charisma. Harlequins Academy in Belgium has lost one of its key players.
As the days turn in to weeks more details of his death will emerge. But his stamina and charisma on the pitch as well as his dedication to coaching will not be forgotten.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
