RUGBY MOURNS LOCAL COACH
Kraaifontein’s Abrahams dies at the age of 43
BIG LOSS: Warren Abrahams
Image: Francois de Wet
KRAAIFONTEIN-born international rugby coach Warren Abrahams passed away on Friday at the age of 43 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Abrahams, coach of the Belgium Women’s Sevens team, was in Nairobi with his team set to take part in the annual Safari 7s tournament.
According to reports, Abrahams died in a Kenyan hospital after collapsing at Nyayo Stadium on Friday. The cause of his death is unknown.
The South African-born rugby guru had a distinguished career that started at English Premiership club Harlequins, where he worked as an academy coach from 2011 to 2019.
During that period, he was also an assistant coach for the England Sevens team, even taking the reins for a warm-up tournament in 2017 in Stellenbosch.
Abrahams moved on to coach the Wales Women’s XVs side in 2020, only to be denied from making a real impact as the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
That would not stop Abrahams from chasing his dreams as a rugby coach and he took up a role as a consultant for the Brazilian Women’s Sevens team in 2021, while also fulfilling the position as head of coaching at Harrow School.
He also upskilled young players through his Rugby Creative High-Performance Academy.
Belgium Rugby then came knocking in April this year to appoint Abrahams as head coach of their Women’s Sevens team.
The Belgian Rugby union said of Abrahams’ sudden passing: “Belgium rugby is mourning the sudden loss of BelSevens coach Warren Abrahams. The federation will continue to support Warren’s family and team in every possible way during this difficult time.”
His wife, Hannah, shared a heartfelt post on Abrahams’ academy social-media pages, which read: “He was my best friend, my soul mate, a beloved son, brother, uncle and Daddy to our two little ones and the greatest person I have ever known.
“Warren was passionate about three things in his life; family, rugby and helping others work towards achieving greatness.”
“Thank you for sharing your precious life with us, it is all the more richer for it.
“Till we meet again, I love you ️”