TRIBUTES are flowing in for former Springboks and Sharks coach Ian McIntosh who died at the age of 84 after a battle with cancer.

The South African Rugby Legends Association announced the Durban North resident’s passing on social media on Wednesday morning.

Born in Zimbabwe on 24 September 1938, McIntosh was a rugby pioneer during a coaching career spanning decades.

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 – and he famously guided the Sharks to their first Currie Cup title in 1990.

He won three more Currie Cup titles as coach of KwaZulu-Natal (in 1992, 1995 and 1996), and he also took the Sharks to the first Super 12 final in 1996, when they lost to the Blues.

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

In 1993 and 1994, McIntosh coached the Springboks in 12 Tests and until last year’s victory, his 1993 Bok team was the last from South Africa to beat the Wallabies in Sydney.

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 the World Rugby’s Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service, recognising his achievement in changing the face of rugby in South Africa.

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

Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee described Mr Mac’s (as he was fondly known) contribution to KZN rugby as immense.

“When you speak of the legends of Sharks rugby, the first name that springs to mind is Mr Mac. 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.”

President of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union, Brian van Zyl, also extended his condolences to McIntosh’s family.

“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 it 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,” he said.

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

Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, said McIntosh will be remembered for his love for the game and his upliftment work with the less fortunate.

“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. He 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 Rona, 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,” Alexander said.

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