The international rugby community is mourning the sudden death of Warren Abrahams, the Belgium women’s national sevens coach, who collapsed during the Safari Sevens Tournament at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium.
The 43-year-old South African-born coach was leading his team from the sidelines when he collapsed and was rushed to a city hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) confirmed the incident on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow over his passing.
“KRU deeply mourns the untimely death of Warren Abrahams, coach of the Belgium ladies national sevens team, while on tour for the Safari Sevens,” the union said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Belgian rugby fraternity during this difficult time.”
KRU Chairperson Harriet Okach said the announcement was initially withheld to allow the coach’s family in South Africa to be informed. “The family requested that the information be released only after they arrive in Nairobi,” she said.
Abrahams, a respected figure in global rugby, previously served as head coach of the Wales Women’s Sevens team and had been instrumental in developing Belgium’s national women’s rugby program.
Following his death, Belgium Rugby announced the immediate withdrawal of their team from the tournament and said players and staff would receive psychological support.
“Belgium Rugby is in mourning following the sudden death of Warren Abrahams, head coach of the BelSevens. The team has already returned to Belgium and will continue to receive support to help them through this ordeal,” read a statement from the Belgian Rugby Federation.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, and both unions said they would not comment further pending consultations with the family and medical authorities.
The tragic incident cast a somber mood over this year’s Safari Sevens, one of Africa’s premier rugby tournaments featuring national teams and clubs from around the world. The Kenya Shujaa and Morans sides joined other teams in observing a moment of silence before Sunday’s matches.
Tributes poured in from the global rugby community. World Rugby described Abrahams as “a passionate coach, mentor, and ambassador for the sport.”
Former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap wrote on social media: “Warren inspired so many of us on and off the field. His energy and kindness will never be forgotten.”
Abrahams leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, innovation, and commitment to women’s rugby development across Europe and Africa.