Tributes pour in for ex-Bok coach
#RIP MASTER: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ian McIntosh – a great man of rugby who gave back so much and worked tirelessly to promote the game of rugby.”
That is one of many tributes that poured in since the news broke that ex-Springbok and Sharks coach Ian McIntosh passed away during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
McIntosh, who grew up near Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, served as head coach for the Springboks during 1993 and 1994.
Despite never playing for his country as a player, he became acquainted with coaching in the 1970s under the tutelage of the then Welsh Rugby Union coaching director Ray Williams.
He later took charge of the former Zimbabwe national team, although his biggest achievement ever was taking charge of the South African national side.
The year before the 1995 World Cup he was sacked as national coach following a series defeat to the All Blacks in New Zealand in mid-1994.
In total, he oversaw 12 Tests as a coach, with the Springboks winning four games, drawing two and losing six.
He coached the legendary Natal team during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He became a national figure after Natal won their first Currie Cup in 1990, their centenary year. His success with Natal led to him coaching the Springbok side.
Four-time Currie Cup winner as Coach.
The Sharks have named their main entrance gate at Kings Park after former coach Ian McIntosh.
Springbok legend Kobus Wiese is one of the many who paid tribute to the coaching great.
“Ian Mcintosh has passed away, a truly sad day,” Wiese said on social media.
“Fewer men have left such an impact through the great game of rugby on so many lives.
“His passion and commitment to the game were legendary. Mooi loop Uncle, may you rest in peace.”
Former Lions and Bok assistant coach Swys de Bruin also shared his condolences.
“Rest in peace, Mac. I Learned so much from you! Will be forever grateful. May God protect and comfort Rona, Craig and the rest of your family.”
With the utmost sadness, The Sharks and KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union join the KZN and the greater South African rugby community in mourning the passing of legendary coach, Mr Ian MacIntosh. pic.twitter.com/ANLTNUID0c
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 5, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ian McIntosh – a great man of rugby who gave back so much and worked tirelessly to promote the game of rugby. #RIP Master. Our love and thoughts are with his wife Rhona and the McIntosh family.We are going to miss you. pic.twitter.com/8SuKDLApsi
— SA Rugby Legends (@SARugbyLegends) April 5, 2023
Ian Mcintosh has passed away, a truly sad day🙏Fewer men has left such an impact through the great game of rugby on so many lives. His passion and commitment to the game was legendary. Mooi loop Uncle, may you rest on Peace🙏🙏🙏
— Kobus Wiese (@4KobusWiese) April 5, 2023
RIP 🪦 🕊️🛐 “Be still for a minute as sadly a legend has passed… Go well Ian MAC McIntosh – a proper human being, servant of the game, and excellent @Springboks rugby 🏉 coach… Respected by all!!! 💕 #IanMcIntosh pic.twitter.com/wAcRnxHPDx
— Dave Nosworthy (@DONCRICKET) April 5, 2023
RIP 🪦 🕊️🛐 “Be still for a minute as sadly a legend has passed… Go well Ian MAC McIntosh – a proper human being, servant of the game, and excellent @Springboks rugby 🏉 coach… Respected by all!!! 💕 #IanMcIntosh pic.twitter.com/wAcRnxHPDx
— Dave Nosworthy (@DONCRICKET) April 5, 2023
Ian McIntosh, a great rugby man and one of the game’s true characters, has died. Warm-hearted and ascerbic, he was a supreme sage and storyteller who never took himself too seriously. RIP.
— Clinton van der Berg (@ClintonV) April 5, 2023
RIP Mr Ian McIntosh ,was a honor to have met you .🙏😢 @SharksRugby @Springboks pic.twitter.com/24zhxYMJS8
— 🦈 Henry Rutherford 🇿🇦 (@henrysharkie) April 5, 2023
Very sad to hear of the passing of Ian McIntosh #RIP MASTER . 💔A true rugby man mentor to so many , Sharks & Springbok Coach /Selector. His love and passion for the game was unsurpassed and he always had a kind word and time for everyone, not only in rugby 🏉 @Springboks
— Annelee Murray (@AnneleeM) April 5, 2023
Sad news about the passing of Ian McIntosh. He’ll always be a legend to us Sharks fans. Our Currie Cup Hero #RIPMac pic.twitter.com/LAz3iNVG0o
— Khaleesi’s Dragons ⭐️⭐️🇿🇦 (@KhaleesisDrago1) April 5, 2023
What a people’s person he was.
Privileged to have known him personally.
RIP Ian McIntosh 🙏🏻@Springboks @SharksRugby pic.twitter.com/D8DBc7B9dn
— Global Sports News 🇨🇭 (@GlobalSportsSA2) April 5, 2023
