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IAN MCINTOSH

IN TRIBUTE

an McIntosh (24 September 1938 – 5 April 2023), In 1961, he met his future wife, Rona, in a cheeky However, overtime his approach, marked by
known as “Mac”, will always be remembered as twist of fate. While previously staying in London, discipline, teamwork, and a confrontational style,
the visionary coach who led the Natal rugby he had added a playful line to a friend’s letter fostered a winning culture and turning Natal into a
Iteam to their first Currie Cup victory. Mac was addressed to Rona, an unknown girl back in formidable force in South African rugby including
instrumental in transforming not only the teams he Rhodesia: “Dear Rona, my name is Ian McIntosh. in the Currie Cup final in 1990, when Natal defeated
coached but also the broader approach to rugby in One day you will meet me, fall madly in love, the Bulls. Between 1990 and 1996, Mac led Natal to
South Africa. and we will get married.” True to his words, they four Currie Cup titles and took the Sharks to the first
married two years later in Bulawayo, and began Super 12 final in 1996.
Born and raised in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), building a life filled with adventure and love. Mac
Mac’s early years were defined by a love for sports. and Rona raised three sons, Ross, Craig and Evan. Mac’s impact soon reached the national stage.
At Gifford High School in Bulawayo, he excelled Craig followed in his father’s footsteps and earned In 1993, he was appointed head coach of the
as a natural athlete, showing promise in rugby, eight caps for Natal as an amateur rugby player. Springboks during a crucial period as South Africa
sprinting, and boxing. Describing himself as a “free- re-entered international sports following apartheid.
spirited youngster”, he spent his days playing small Reflecting on their family dynamics, Craig speaks Though his tenure was brief, he laid the groundwork
rugby games with friends and swimming in nearby warmly of the close bonds they share and the critical for future successes, guiding the team through high-
rivers. Yet, his adventurous nature took a toll on his role his mother played throughout his father’s stakes matches and implementing strategies that
health during his teenage years, an early challenge demanding coaching career. Craig commented challenged traditional rugby conventions. His direct
that helped shape his character. that his mom was the epitome of strength and rugby style, integrating forwards and backs, led to
dedication for their family – a true blessing. Her notable achievements, including a victory over the
Another pivotal moment in his life came with focus was on looking after us and holding the Wallabies in Sydney – the first for South Africa since
the death of his mother when he was still at family together,” he shared. “Knowing we were in 1993.
school. “Most books will say their mothers meant good hands gave Dad the foundation and freedom
everything to them, and she certainly was for me,” he needed to pursue his rugby dreams. Her support After stepping down as a coach, Mac served as a
In a past interview Mac recalled. “Her death was a allowed him to follow his passion fully.” Springbok selector for 13 years, mentoring both
tremendous blow to me.” junior and senior coaches. he also coached the
A SENSE OF FULFILMENT Springbok Sevens team in 2003
After completing high school, Mac joined Queen’s
Club. This would be his first taste of competitive In the 1980s, Mac took a major leap by accepting Through his work with the South African Rugby
Legends Association (SARLA), he continued to
senior rugby. He was fit and healthy and began to the role, after much persuasion, as head coach of inspire and give back to the sport he loved bringing
make strides as an athletic flank. After excelling for Natal Rugby. At that time, he had taken a position smiles to many children over the years. “Rugby,” he
his club, he was called up to play for his province, in business and had been recently promoted to once said, “was my drug.”
Matabeleland. distribution manager, which meant that moving
his family from a comfortable life in Bulawayo to In recognition of Mac’s contributions, World Rugby
REMARKABLE SUCCESS Durban was daunting. awarded him the Vernon Pugh Award in 2013,
Mac took on the task of leading Natal Rugby, a celebrating his lifetime of service to South African
Despite his enthusiasm for rugby, Mac’s playing
career was cut short by knee injuries, a devastating struggling team with limited success to achieve rugby. The Cell C Sharks and the KwaZulu-Natal
Rugby Union further honoured him in 2021 by
setback that ultimately led him to coaching. remarkable success. Initially, his style of coaching renaming the main entrance gate to their stadium
Fortunately, another of his loves was teaching. After did not work in South Africa and Mac was forced to as “The Ian McIntosh Gate.”
qualifying as an educator, he travelled to Denmark make adjustments to get positive results.
to specialise in physical education. Although he When Mac introduced his direct style, it was Mac died at the age of 84 after losing his battle with
was heartbroken over not being able to play the completely new, and he faced resistance, especially prostrate cancer. Right up to his passing he was
game he cherished, teaching provided him with among many of the forwards. The players had to still fully engaged with the SA Rugby Legends and
a way to connect with the sport. Mentoring and practice extensively to change their method which living his “life of rugby”. His legacy remains deeply
guiding young athletes, gave him purpose and a was challenging for many of them. Fortunately, a felt by players, coaches, and fans, who remember
sense of fulfilment. He began his career at Queen’s few key players bought into the new style early on him as a trailblazer whose unwavering passion left
Club in Bulawayo as a teacher and fitness coach. which thrilled Mac. an indelible mark on the sport.
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