Belgium Rugby Coach Collapses and Dies at Safari Sevens in Nairobi

Warren Abrahams, head coach of Belgium’s women’s rugby sevens team, died after collapsing during the Safari Sevens tournament in Nairobi on Friday, the Kenya Rugby Union confirmed on Sunday.

Abrahams, 43, suffered a medical emergency at Nyayo National Stadium and received immediate attention from medical personnel on site. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been made public.

Originally from South Africa, Abrahams had travelled to Kenya with the Belgian team for the annual tournament. News of his death was not released immediately, in accordance with his family’s request to delay the announcement until they had been notified and were able to arrive in Nairobi. Kenya Rugby Union chairperson Harriet Okach said the decision was made out of respect for the family. 

“The family requested that the announcement be withheld until they were informed and had arrived in Nairobi,” she said.

Both the Kenya Rugby Union and the Belgium Rugby Federation issued statements expressing their condolences. KRU described Abrahams as a respected coach whose “passion, professionalism, and dedication to the game” would be remembered. The Belgian Rugby Federation confirmed that the team had returned home and would receive psychological support.

Abrahams had held coaching roles with several national programmes, including Wales, and was widely respected for his technical expertise and focus on player development. His work with the Belgian women’s sevens team marked a significant period in his coaching career.

Following the incident, Belgium withdrew from the remainder of the tournament. The Safari Sevens, a key fixture in Kenya’s rugby calendar, continued as scheduled but was marked by the loss of a respected figure in the sport.