Stormers team manager Chippie Solomon died at the age of 64 on Saturday.
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- Renowned Stormers team manager Chippie Solomon died suddenly on Saturday.
- Solomon, who was 64, had served as the Cape franchise’s team manager since 2004.
- Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said they were left “devastated” by the news, calling Solomon a “true rugby man”.
- For more rugby news, visit our dedicated section.
The Stormers rugby community was in shock on Saturday morning after the sudden passing of renowned team manager Christopher ‘Chippie’ Solomon.
Solomon, 64, was an institution at the Stormers and Western Province, serving as team manager from 2004 until his passing.
He took charge of over 350 matches over 21 seasons.
Stormers Rugby confirmed Solomon’s passing via a press statement.
“A respected educator and administrator, a loving father and husband and a revered rugby man, Solomon will be missed by countless players, coaches, learners and staff whose lives he impacted over a full and significant career.
“Husband to Pearl and father to Nina and Chad, Solomon also acted as a father figure within Stormers Rugby, providing guidance and support to generations of players who all knew him affectionately as ‘Uncle Chippie’,” the franchise posted.
Born in Newlands and raised in Bonteheuwel, Solomon was a teacher, coach and headmaster at Westridge High School in Mitchell’s Plain before moving into rugby administration.
He also played rugby in his younger days and represented Western Province Schools under the banner of the SA Rugby Union and was heavily involved in club rugby, serving as the Life President of Kuils River Rugby Club.
He was appointed as a coach and selector of the SA Schools team, and moved into the professional structures as a team manager for various junior outfits before taking up the position with the Stormers senior team in 2004.
His son, Chad, is also a former Stormers player.
The Stormers did not specify Solomon’s cause of death, but according to Netwerk24, he died of a heart attack.
Stormers director of rugby of rugby, John Dobson, said they were left “devastated” by Solmon’s sudden passing.
“Chippie was a remarkable man who was so much more than just a team manager.
“He has been synonymous with our team for so long and represented us with pride all over the world. The deep connection he held with players, coaches and his staff at the High Performance Centre was incredibly meaningful.
“We have just come back from a trip to France, which saw Chippie outdo himself with every detail and arrangement running impeccably.
“He will be remembered as a true rugby man, but more importantly as someone who was fiercely loyal and represented his community and family with distinction in all that he did. Chippie was nullis secundus,” Dobson said.
Stormers Rugby CEO, Johan le Roux, called Solomon a giant of the game.
“Chippie brought passion to everything he did and embodied the values of our sport. Our thoughts are with his family and all those whose lives he touched over what was an incredible career.
“Our supporters will all miss his familiar presence and the entire rugby community is in mourning over this sad loss,” Le Roux said.
