Belgium rugby coach dies while on tour for Safari 7s in Nairobi
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 12, 2025The rugby community is mourning the death of Warren Abrahams, the head coach of the Belgium women’s sevens team, who died on Friday, 10 October 2025, while in Nairobi for the Safari Sevens tournament. He was 43 years old.
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) confirmed his death in a statement shared on social media on Sunday, October 12, 2025, saying it deeply mourns the untimely demise of the coach.
“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.”
The union sent its condolences to Abrahams’ family, friends, and the Belgium rugby fraternity, describing him as a passionate and professional figure whose dedication to the game will be remembered.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Belgium Rugby fraternity during this difficult time. Warren’s passion, professionalism, and dedication to the game will be fondly remembered by all.”
Abrahams had travelled to Kenya with his team to take part in the annual Safari Sevens, a tournament that attracts both local and international teams. His sudden death came as a shock to players, officials, and fans attending the event.
Abrahams’ lasting rugby legacy
Originally from South Africa, Abrahams built an impressive coaching career that spanned several countries. He began at Harlequins FC in England, where he spent close to eight years developing young talent. He later joined England Rugby as a senior sevens coach between 2015 and 2019, working with elite players in one of the sport’s top programmes.
His international experience also included stints with Germany’s rugby union, USA Rugby, and Brazil Rugby. In 2020, he was appointed head coach of Wales Women’s fifteens and sevens sides, leading the team during an important stage of its development. Earlier this year, he took charge of Belgium’s women’s sevens team.
Away from the pitch, Abrahams founded Rugby Creative, a platform aimed at improving coaching and player development. He also served as head of coaching and performance rugby coach at Harrow School in England, where he inspired young players and educators.