Tributes pour in for Belgium head coach who suddenly passed away during Safari 7s
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 13.10.25. | 18:06
Belgium Rugby confirmed Abrahams’ passing and subsequently withdrew their team from the competition to allow players and staff to return home
The 2025 Safari 7s concluded on a sombre note as players, officials, and fans united in silence to honour the late Warren Abrahams, the head coach of Belgium’s women’s sevens team.
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Abrahams sadly passed away on Friday, 10 October, during the tournament.
Just before the highly anticipated final between Shogun Rugby and Kenya Shujaa on Sunday, 12 October, a moment of silence was observed in memory of the 43-year-old coach, whose sudden death on Friday cast a shadow over what was a vibrant tournament.
Belgium Rugby confirmed Abrahams’ passing and subsequently withdrew their team from the competition to allow players and staff to return home. The cause of death remains private, but the news sent shockwaves through the rugby community.
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) led tributes to the fallen coach, describing his passing as “a heartbreaking loss to the global rugby family.”
“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.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Belgium Rugby fraternity during this difficult time. All will fondly remember Warren’s passion, professionalism, and dedication to the game. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement from KRU read.
Belgium Rugby also joined in the mourning.
“Belgium Rugby is in mourning following the sudden death of Warren Abrahams, head coach of the BelSevens. All efforts are being made to support the players and staff,” read a statement from the Belgium Rugby Federation.
The world governing body for the sport, World Rugby, also released a short statement mourning the sudden demise of the coach.
"RIP Warren Abrahams. The former Wales women's head coach died aged 43, whilst at the Safari 7s tournament in Kenya with Belgium women's team. Gone too soon."
Former colleagues and rugby unions from around the world paid glowing tributes. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), where Abrahams once served as head coach of the women’s national team, described him as “a brilliant coach and an even better human being.”
At Harlequins, where he worked with the academy setup, former teammates remembered him as “a mentor and a teacher whose passion for player development left a lasting legacy.”
Born in South Africa, Abrahams’ coaching journey took him across continents and levels of the game.
His career included stints with Wales Women, USA Women’s Sevens, England Men’s Sevens, and Harlequins Academy, before he took charge of Belgium’s women’s sevens team.
In November 2020, he made history as the first black national coach in Welsh rugby history when he was appointed head coach of Wales Women.
His calm leadership style and player-first approach earned him admiration from players and peers alike.
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