It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Warren Abrahams (on Friday 10 October 2025), a globally respected figure whose dynamic coaching career and innovative philosophy left an indelible mark on rugby. Renowned as a pioneer who focused on developing the person as much as the player, Warren dedicated his life to sharing his unique insights through his work and his platform, Rugby Creative.
Born in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, South Africa, Warren Abrahams forged a path through dedication, resilience, and curiosity.
A Distinguished Coaching Career
Warren’s career was defined by its scope, spanning multiple international programmes and coaching roles in both Sevens and 15s:
- Harlequins (UK): Started his career in the UK with community roles before progressing to the Academy set-up at the English club.
- Lithuania Sevens: Concurrent with his time at Harlequins, he coached the national Sevens side, famously having to devise creative communication methods to lead the team.
- England Men’s Sevens: Served as an Assistant Coach for approximately five years, contributing to the team’s success, including a silver medal at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
- Great Britain Women’s Sevens: Was part of the coaching team for the Great Britain Women at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
- German National Sevens: After his tenure with England, he coached and consulted with the German national side.
- USA Women’s Sevens: Held both Assistant and Head Coaching roles (2018–2020), where he coached the team that won a bronze medal at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
- Wales Women’s National Team: In November 2020, he was appointed Head Coach of the Wales Women’s National 15s and Sevens programmes. In this role, he made history as the first black national team head coach in the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) setup. Unfortunately, he left this role after only 9 months in charge by mutual consent.
- Brazilian Women’s Sevens: His journey continued as a coaching consultant with the Brazilian Women’s Sevens side between August 2021 and October 2024.
- Belgium Women’s Sevens (BelSevens): He took on the role of Head Coach in April 2025, a position he held at the time of his passing.
The Legacy of the “Coach of People”
Warren Abrahams was an integral partner to the WJK Coaching team, and his methods centred on creating player-led environments that fostered creativity and empowerment. His signature belief was the “coffee bean journey,” which emphasised the need to understand a person’s individual history and motivations to unlock their potential.
Guest Lecture Warren Abrahams Practice design, creativity and how to create a learning environment
This dedication to the individual led to his most poignant coaching moments, such as the time he asked an introverted player on the USA Sevens team: “I’m really struggling here. How do you want me to make you better?” – an approach that illustrated his powerful ability to build trust through vulnerability.
Warren Abrahams’ innovative spirit, generosity of knowledge, and fierce commitment to developing adaptable, resilient people will ensure his legacy endures in the global coaching fraternity. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.
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