Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium was plunged into shock on Friday, October 10, 2025, when Warren Abrahams, head coach of Belgium’s women’s rugby sevens team, collapsed during the Safari Sevens tournament. The 43-year-old South African was attended to by medical personnel and rushed to a city hospital, but he later died, according to NTV Kenya.
The Kenya Rugby Union confirmed his death on Sunday, calling it “a heartbreaking loss to the global rugby family” (Kenyans.co.ke). The Belgian Rugby Federation also expressed deep sorrow, saying Abrahams was not just a coach, but a mentor, a leader and a generous presence in the rugby community. Following his passing, the Belgian team withdrew from the tournament and returned to Europe. The family requested that the cause of death remain private (NTV Kenya).
Abrahams had a distinguished coaching career. He worked with Harlequins’ academy, the England Men’s Sevens team, the USA Women’s Sevens squad and Wales Women’s team from 2020 to 2021 (The Sun). He was known for building high-performance teams and helping players develop mental strength. Many athletes have shared stories of his mentorship and the positive impact he had on their careers (Kenyans.co.ke).
The Safari Sevens is one of Africa’s biggest rugby sevens tournaments, attracting teams from across the continent and beyond. This year’s event was meant to highlight emerging talent and strengthen international rugby ties. Abrahams’ sudden death cast a heavy shadow over the competition. A minute of silence was held before the finals, with players, officials, and fans standing in tribute (Capital FM).
Colleagues remember him for his tactical skill, his ability to inspire, and his personal warmth. His legacy will live on through the athletes he coached, the teams he shaped and the rugby community he influenced.
