CAPE TOWN – The Stormers and Western Cape rugby community are in mourning following the death of team manager Christopher ‘Chippie’ Solomon.
The DHL Stormers confirmed the sad news in a press release issued on their official website and a tribute on Facebook on Saturday morning.
Solomon served as Stormers team manager from 2004 until his death, overseeing more than 350 matches across 21 seasons. Known affectionately as ‘Uncle Chippie’, he acted as a mentor to generations of players at the franchise.
He is survived by his wife Pearl and children Nina and Chad.
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.
During his playing career, he represented Western Province Schools as a hooker and loose forward under the SA Rugby Union banner. He remained involved in club rugby and served as life president of Kuilsrivier Rugby Club.
Solomon also worked as a coach and selector for the SA Schools team before joining the professional structures as a team manager for various junior teams.
Stormers chief executive Johan le Roux said Solomon brought passion to everything he did and embodied the values of rugby.
“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,” he said.
Director of rugby John Dobson said there would never be another character quite like Solomon.
“This is devastating news for so many of us. 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,” he said.
“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.”
The team recently returned from a tour to France, where Solomon managed all arrangements.
