Heartbreak at Safari Sevens as Belgium women’s rugby coach dies at Nyayo Stadium
Reports indicate that the 43-year-old South African, a former Wales women’s rugby coach, was treated at the scene before being rushed to a city hospital, where he later died.
Belgium women’s rugby sevens coach Warren Abrahams passed away on Friday after collapsing at Nyayo Stadium during the Safari Sevens tournament in Nairobi, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announced on Sunday.
Reports indicate that the 43-year-old South African, a former Wales women’s rugby coach, was treated at the scene before being rushed to a city hospital, where he later died. The exact cause of his death remains unknown.
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In a statement, KRU expressed deep sorrow over Abrahams’ passing, praising his passion, professionalism, and dedication to the sport.
"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."
Belgium withdraws from tournament
Following the incident, Belgium withdrew from the annual tournament, which brings together around 20 teams from across the globe.
"Following this event, the team withdrew from the tournament with immediate effect. All efforts are being made to support the players and staff in the best possible way," said the Belgium Rugby Federation in a statement on Saturday.
"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."
Abrahams began his rugby career playing for Durbanville-Bellville and Stellenbosch University in South Africa before transitioning into coaching. He held positions at Harlequins' academy from 2011 to 2019, as well as with the England men’s sevens team and the USA women’s sevens team.
In 2020, he became head coach of the Wales women’s team, a role he held for nine months until 2021, when he took up his position with Belgium.
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