Kobus van der Merwe as Stormers coach in 2007. (Tertius Pickard/ Gallo Images)
Former Stormers and Western Province coach Kobus van der Merwe died after a long illness on Thursday night.
He was 58.
Van der Merwe was involved at the Cape franchise from 2005-2007, first as backline coach before becoming the head coach.
A spokesperson for the Stormers confirmed Van der Merwe’s passing to News24.
Van der Merwe also coached at Griquas and Border Bulldogs and played as a centre for both teams in the 1990s. He also played a few games for WP.
“Kobus, as player and coach you made a big contribution to make Griquas a force in the professional era. With your passion for Griquas you were able to also make a contribution to Border and WP Rugby. Griquas will always be grateful to you,” the Kimberley team said in a statement on Friday.
Griquas won the 2005 Vodacom Cup under Van der Merwe’s guidance.
Kobus, as speler en afrigter het jy ‘n groot bydrae gemaak om Griekwas ‘n krag in die professionele era te maak. Met jou Griekwa passie kon jy as afrigter ook ‘n bydrae tot Grens en WP Rugby maak.
Griekwas sal jou altyd dankbaar bly. pic.twitter.com/IAJpJeQ0R7— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) February 28, 2025
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Src: News24.com
