Namibian Rugby Mourns Eben Izaacs, Two-Time World Cup Player and Mentor, Dies at 54

Namibian Rugby Mourns Eben Izaacs, Two-Time World Cup Player and Mentor, Dies at 54. Namibian rugby is in mourning following the passing of former national player and respected mentor Eben Izaacs, who died on Friday night at the age of 54 after a battle with cancer.

Izaacs was a prominent figure in Namibian rugby during the 1990s and early 2000s, remembered not only for his international appearances but also for his enduring support of the sport long after his playing days ended.

His international career began in 1993, debuting as a wing against Kenya in Nairobi under coach Henning Snyman. A year later, he was part of Namibia’s unsuccessful World Cup qualification attempt in Morocco. By 1998, Izaacs had transitioned to the lock position and played a key role in Namibia’s successful campaign to qualify for France 1999, the country’s first Rugby World Cup.

He later returned for Australia 2003, scoring Namibia’s sole try in their final pool match against Romania in Launceston, Tasmania.

Izaacs formed part of Namibia’s early rugby legacy and represented his hometown club Reho Falcon and the former TransNamib club in Windhoek. He was among the country’s earliest World Cup participants, sharing the stage with players like Cliff Loubser, Deon Mouton, and the late Frans Fisch.

Following retirement, Izaacs served as head coach of Dolphin Rugby Club in Swakopmund, where he passed on his discipline, knowledge, and calm leadership to aspiring players.

He also made history alongside his son Alcino Izaacs, becoming part of one of Namibia’s first father-son duos to represent the country at the Rugby World Cup, joining the ranks of the Loubser and Mouton families.