#RIP MASTER: Forever a legend
REACTION: The tributes continued to pour in in the wake of the passing of the legendary ex-Sharks and Springbok coach Ian McIntosh.
The KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union and South African Rugby Union headlined the eulogies for McIntosh, who – after losing his battle with cancer – passed away during the early hours of Wednesday morning, at the age of 84.
“Mac” as he was fondly known, was a revolutionary in rugby, a trailblazer, an innovator, and an icon who helped turn the B league Banana Boys into the Sharks, who became a South African force during his time as a coach.
“When you speak of the legends of Sharks rugby, the first name that springs to mind is Mac,” Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee said.
“He embodied the very essence of Sharks rugby and was a passionate and loyal supporter until the very end.
“His contribution to the game was immense and we extend our sincere condolences to his wife Rona, his children, grandchildren, his extended family and everyone who knew and loved this larger-than-life personality, who lived and breathed the game of rugby.”
After leading Natal to the Currie Cup title in the union’s centenary year in 1990, he quickly became a household name in South African rugby and followed his success with a second title in 1992.
He was selected as the Springbok coach in 1993 and 1994 after his achievements with the province and on his return to Durban, he claimed back-to-back victories in the 1995 and 1996 tournaments as the province dominated the competition for a decade.
McIntosh was a rugby pioneer rugby during a coaching career spanning decades that started in the country of his birth, and continued in South Africa – from before until many years after unification – as he broke the mold on many levels.
Apart from coaching the Springboks, he also coached the Springbok Sevens team in 2003 – the only man who was head coach of both of South Africa’s senior national men’s rugby teams.
“I am saddened to hear of Mac’s passing and extend my deepest condolences to his entire family,” Former CEO of The Sharks and now President of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union Brian van Zyl said.
“He was not only innovative, but also practical. He did not want robots for players, but intelligent men who could think on their feet. He personified what is meant to wear the jersey with pride and was a true rugby man.
“His piercing stare and intense personality underlined his determination to succeed, but a glint in his eye marked him as a man of the people. His players respected him, but they also loved him and would do anything for him.
“His proud and celebrated legacy will continue for years to come.”
After his coaching days came to an end, McIntosh was a Springbok selector for 13 years, providing mentorship and advice to a number of national coaches on junior and senior level, and he stayed involved in the game through the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA).
In 2013, he was presented with World Rugby’s Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service, recognising his achievement in changing the face of rugby in South Africa.
SARU President Mark Alexander also paid tribute to McIntosh.
“Mac left an indelible mark on the global rugby landscape, but even more so in South Africa and with his beloved Sharks,” said Alexander.
“He was an intensely passionate rugby man through and through, someone who never stopped learning, coaching, educating and giving back.
“He will be remembered as Springbok and Sharks coach, who plotted the unthinkable in 1990 when the ‘Banana Boys’ beat the mighty Bulls in the Currie Cup Final in Pretoria, but later in his life, along with SARLA, ‘Mac’ did magnificent work in uplifting the less fortunate, using rugby as a tool to bring smiles to the faces of thousands of children through the years.
“Mac never stopped working and believed in giving back to the game that he loved so much. As South African rugby, we owe him so much gratitude for what he’s done, and we honour him for the role he played in the game, both here and internationally.
“We are thinking of Rhona, his wife of almost 60 years, and their three sons, Ross, Craig and Evan, as well as the rest of the McIntosh family, friends and other loved ones in this very difficult time. May you find solace in the memories of a man who will forever be remembered as a pioneer in rugby and whose influence stretched over generations.
“Rest in peace, Master.”
When he retired as Sharks coach at the end of the 1999 season, his passion for the sport kept him involved in rugby and he spent many years with the South African Rugby Legends, coaching the team of former Springboks as well as rugby clinics in disadvantaged areas.
In 2013, World Rugby awarded the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service to McIntosh, for his outstanding service to coaching and management.
In 2021, his legacy at The Sharks was honoured when the main entrance to the stadium was renamed the Ian McIntosh Gate.
Forever a legend. Forever a Shark.
Source: @SharksRugby & @SharksRugby
