The former Springbok and current Northam Rhinos coach reportedly suffered a suspected heart attack on Thursday afternoon.
Fortuin reportedly suffered a suspected heart attack this afternoon shortly before a scheduled Rhinos rugby practice session. Despite efforts to assist him, he was pronounced dead on the scene. An official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
FORTUIN’S CAREER PROGRESSION FROM SWD TO SPRINGBOKS
Born in 1979, Fortuin began his professional rugby career with the SWD Eagles, rising through their youth structures in 1998 before making his senior debut in 2000. Over six seasons with the George-based side, he became a key figure in their backline, which led to a move to the Free State Cheetahs in 2005.
During his time in Bloemfontein, Fortuin also featured in Super Rugby, earning 22 caps for the Cheetahs between 2006 and 2008. He returned to the SWD Eagles for the 2009 and 2010 Currie Cup First Division seasons, ending his playing tenure with the union in 2011.
Fortuin earned two caps for the Springboks, making his debut in a Test match against Ireland in 2006 and appearing again in the 2007 Tri-Nations series against Australia.
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TRANSITION FROM PLAYER TO COACH
After his playing career, Fortuin transitioned into coaching. He joined Blanco Rugby Club as a player-coach, leading them to the 2012 National Club Championships title. Later that year, he returned to the Eagles as part of their coaching setup and was promoted to head coach following the 2013 Vodacom Cup.
He remained in the role until the end of 2015 before moving to Pretoria to join the Bulls’ coaching staff. More recently, he had taken over as head coach of the Northam Rhinos.
Tributes have poured in from across the South African rugby community, honoring Fortuin’s contributions as both a player and coach.
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