A respected educator, administrator and long-serving rugby figure, Solomon was widely regarded as a father figure within the Stormers set-up, where he was affectionately known as 'Uncle Chippie'. He is survived by his wife Pearl and children Nina and Chad.

Solomon served as Stormers team manager from 2004 until his death, overseeing more than 350 matches across 21 seasons and becoming a constant presence on the touchline through the franchise's highs and lows.

Born in Newlands and raised in Bonteheuwel, he built a long career in education as a teacher, coach and headmaster at Westridge High School in Mitchell's Plain before moving into rugby administration. A former hooker and loose forward, he also represented Western Province Schools and remained deeply involved in club rugby, including serving as Life President of Kuilsriver Rugby Club.

He later worked as a coach and selector for the SA Schools team before moving into professional structures as a team manager for junior sides, eventually taking up the senior Stormers role in 2004.

Stormers Rugby CEO Johan le Roux paid tribute, saying the sport had lost a significant figure.

"Chippie brought passion to everything he did and embodied the values of our sport. 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 described Solomon as a unique and irreplaceable character within the organisation.

"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. The deep connection he held with players, coaches and his staff at the High Performance Centre was incredibly meaningful.

"We have just come back from a trip to France, which saw Chippie outdo himself with every detail and arrangement running impeccably.

"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. Chippie was 'nullis secundis'," he said.

READ MORE: Nortje ready for Hong Kong as Blitzboks reset for SVNS World Championship

MATS WILANDER

Mats Wilander backs Novak Djokovic to win another Grand Slam

Mats Wilander: Rafael Nadal should have another crack at French Open in 2025

Editors Pick