Tributes have been flooding in for the well-loved DHL Stormers’ team manager Christopher “Chippie” Solomon, who passed away from a heart attack on Saturday morning.
Solomons, who served as a team manager for the Stormers’ in various capacities for 21 seasons, was described by the side as having “lost a legend”.
We have lost a legend of the game. The entire rugby community joins us in mourning the sad passing of DHL Stormers Team Manager Chippie Solomon.
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) April 11, 2026
He was 'nullis secundus'.
Full tribute 👇https://t.co/wLOFTi32YL pic.twitter.com/oIDLL59JKe
In a press release from the team, they described Solomons as “a respected educator and administrator, a loving father and husband and a revered rugby man, Solomon will be missed by countless players, coaches, learners and staff whose lives he impacted over a full and significant career.”
Literally anybody who has come into contact with the Stormers and the various Western Province teams over the years would know Solomons, who had an infectious laugh and almost always had a smile ready for those who greeted him.
Husband to Pearl and father to Nina and Chad, Solomon also acted as a father figure within Stormers Rugby, providing guidance and support to generations of players who all knew him affectionately as ‘Uncle Chippie’.
He served as DHL Stormers Team Manager from 2004 until his passing on Saturday morning, taking charge of over 350 matches in that time and providing an unmistakable presence on the touchline through the highs and lows of 21 seasons.
A vibrant personality who was passionate about the people around him and was defined by boundless energy and selfless work ethic, he was an invaluable community member who travelled the world with the DHL Stormers and represented the team and people of the region with consummate professionalism.
And the tributes have come in for Solomon.
Mr Mark Alexander: “It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Christopher “Chippie” Solomon this morning. Since 2004, Chippie served with unwavering dedication as manager of the Stormers, guiding and supporting players and colleagues with humility and commitment.… pic.twitter.com/8cTEtUw7qj
— Springboks (@Springboks) April 11, 2026
Stormers Rugby CEO Johan le Roux said that a giant of the game has been lost.
“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 said that there will never be another character quite like Chippie 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. 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.
Springbok legendary winger Bryan Habana added his tribute.
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of @ChippieSolomon. A true legend behind the scenes at the DHL Stormers - loyal, selfless and deeply loved by every player who wore the jersey.
“For those that know him, they know that he wasn’t just a team manager, he lived and breathed for the Stormers. His impact and legacy will live forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to Aunty Pearl, Chad, Nina and the whole Solomon family. Rest easy Uncle Chippie.”
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander echoed those words, “It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Christopher “Chippie” Solomon this morning. Since 2004, Chippie served with unwavering dedication as manager of the Stormers, guiding and supporting players and colleagues with humility and commitment.
“On behalf of the SA Rugby family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pearl, Nina, Chad, his other loved ones and the Stormers community. His legacy of service and devotion to rugby will never be forgotten. May his family find comfort in knowing his impact lives on in all of us.”
Born in Newlands and raised in Bontheuwel, Solomon was a teacher, coach and headmaster at Westridge High School in Mitchell’s Plain before moving into rugby administration.
A fearsome hooker and loose forward in his playing days, he represented Western Province Schools under the banner of the SA Rugby Union and was heavily involved in club rugby, serving as the Life President of Kuilsriver Rugby Club.
He was appointed as a coach and selector of the SA Schools team, and moved into the professional structures as a team manager for various junior teams before taking up the position with the DHL Stormers senior team in 2004.