Ian McIntosh

Ian McIntosh (24 September 1938 – 5 April 2023), known as “Mac”, will always be remembered as the visionary coach who led the Natal rugby team to their first Currie Cup victory. Mac was instrumental in transforming not only the teams he coached but also the broader approach to rugby in South Africa.

Born and raised in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Mac’s early years were defined by a love for sports. At Gifford High School in Bulawayo, he excelled as a natural athlete, showing promise in rugby, sprinting, and boxing. Describing himself as a “free- spirited youngster”, he spent his days playing small rugby games with friends and swimming in nearby rivers. Yet, his adventurous nature took a toll on his health during his teenage years, an early challenge that helped shape his character.

Another pivotal moment in his life came with the death of his mother when he was still at school. “Most books will say their mothers meant everything to them, and she certainly was for me,” In a past interview Mac recalled. “Her death was a tremendous blow to me.”

After completing high school, Mac joined Queen’s Club. This would be his first taste of competitive senior rugby. He was fit and healthy and began to make strides as an athletic flank. After excelling for his club, he was called up to play for his province, Matabeleland.

REMARKABLE SUCCESS
Despite his enthusiasm for rugby, Mac’s playing career was cut short by knee injuries, a devastating setback that ultimately led him to coaching. Fortunately, another of his loves was teaching. After qualifying as an educator, he travelled to Denmark to specialise in physical education. Although he was heartbroken over not being able to play the game he cherished, teaching provided him with a way to connect with the sport. Mentoring and guiding young athletes, gave him purpose and a sense of fulfilment. He began his career at Queen’s Club in Bulawayo as a teacher and fitness coach.

In 1961, he met his future wife, Rona, in a cheeky twist of fate. While previously staying in London, he had added a playful line to a friend’s letter addressed to Rona, an unknown girl back in Rhodesia: “Dear Rona, my name is Ian McIntosh. One day you will meet me, fall madly in love, and we will get married.” True to his words, they married two years later in Bulawayo, and began building a life filled with adventure and love. Mac and Rona raised three sons, Ross, Craig and Evan. Craig followed in his father’s footsteps and earned eight caps for Natal as an amateur rugby player.

Reflecting on their family dynamics, Craig speaks warmly of the close bonds they share and the critical role his mother played throughout his father’s demanding coaching career. Craig commented that his mom was the epitome of strength and dedication for their family – a true blessing. Her focus was on looking after us and holding the family together,” he shared. “Knowing we were in good hands gave Dad the foundation and freedom he needed to pursue his rugby dreams. Her support allowed him to follow his passion fully.”

A SENSE OF FULFILMENT
In the 1980s, Mac took a major leap by accepting the role, after much persuasion, as head coach of Natal Rugby. At that time, he had taken a position in business and had been recently promoted to distribution manager, which meant that moving his family from a comfortable life in Bulawayo to Durban was daunting.

Mac took on the task of leading Natal Rugby, a struggling team with limited success to achieve remarkable success. Initially, his style of coaching did not work in South Africa and Mac was forced to make adjustments to get positive results.

When Mac introduced his direct style, it was completely new, and he faced resistance, especially among many of the forwards. The players had to practice extensively to change their method which was challenging for many of them. Fortunately, a few key players bought into the new style early on which thrilled Mac.

However, overtime his approach, marked by discipline, teamwork, and a confrontational style, fostered a winning culture and turning Natal into a formidable force in South African rugby including in the Currie Cup final in 1990, when Natal defeated the Bulls. Between 1990 and 1996, Mac led Natal to four Currie Cup titles and took the Sharks to the first Super 12 final in 1996.

Mac’s impact soon reached the national stage. In 1993, he was appointed head coach of the Springboks during a crucial period as South Africa re-entered international sports following apartheid. Though his tenure was brief, he laid the groundwork for future successes, guiding the team through high- stakes matches and implementing strategies that challenged traditional rugby conventions. His direct rugby style, integrating forwards and backs, led to notable achievements, including a victory over the Wallabies in Sydney – the first for South Africa since 1993.

After stepping down as a coach, Mac served as a Springbok selector for 13 years, mentoring both junior and senior coaches. he also coached the Springbok Sevens team in 2003.

Through his work with the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA), he continued to inspire and give back to the sport he loved bringing smiles to many children over the years. “Rugby,” he once said, “was my drug.”

In recognition of Mac’s contributions, World Rugby awarded him the Vernon Pugh Award in 2013, celebrating his lifetime of service to South African rugby. The Cell C Sharks and the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union further honoured him in 2021 by renaming the main entrance gate to their stadium as “The Ian McIntosh Gate.”

Mac died at the age of 84 after losing his battle with prostrate cancer. Right up to his passing he was still fully engaged with the SA Rugby Legends and living his “life of rugby”. His legacy remains deeply felt by players, coaches, and fans, who remember him as a trailblazer whose unwavering passion left an indelible mark on the sport.