Tributes poured in for legendary former Springbok and Sharks head coach Ian McIntosh who died in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
McIntosh coached the Springboks in 1993 and 1994 and would later serve as a selector for the national team.
Considered a legend of KwaZulu-Natal rugby, he coached the Sharks in the late 1980s and early 1990s, memorably guiding the province to their first Currie Cup title in 1990. McIntosh won the Currie Cup again in 1992, before coaching the Sharks to a further two titles in 1995 and 1996 after returning from his stint as national coach.
In 2021, the Sharks honoured their former head coach by naming the main entry gate to Kings Park after him.
McIntosh passed away in an Umhlanga hospital early on Wednesday morning.
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
The saddest news to wake up to this morning with the passing of Ian McIntosh.
A legendary coach for the @Springboks and @SharksRugby who was part of, and will continue to be part of the rugby fabric in this country.
You’ll be sadly missed Mac, Rugby became poorer this morning. pic.twitter.com/SF3iCH9orr
— Peter de Villiers (@CoachPdV) April 5, 2023
Rest easy Mr Mac, you were an inspiration to all and a mentor to many, thank you for all the memories!?? pic.twitter.com/06kxzQykUk
— BJ Botha (@BJBotha) April 5, 2023
What a man, what a mentor, what a legacy, what a coach, what a great human being. RIP Master. You will be missed by so many whose lives you had such a profound influence on!! Thanks for everything Mac ??❤️?? pic.twitter.com/kmhLlJKose
— Gary Gold (@Garygoldrugby) April 5, 2023
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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
RIP Master ??
Mr Ian Mac was a truly remarkable man, mentor, coach, husband, father and human being ?
His passion and dedication to the game of the rugby was beyond measure!!
His love for life and humour made a positive impact to all those who got the privilege to meet him.… pic.twitter.com/wI4QaPNf3u
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) 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
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
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The man who called everyone ‘Master’ has left us on the eve of The Masters. When I persuaded Supersport to honour Mac with a documentary on his life, I had no idea how close he was to the end. To a great man and an even greater man of rugby, RIP
— Andy Capostagno (@andycapostagno) April 5, 2023
Photo: Duif du Toit / Gallo Images