Bok legends Habana, Wiese pay tribute to McIntosh: 'A truly remarkable man'

Springbok legends Bryan Habana and Kobus Wiese have hailed Ian McIntosh, who died on Wednesday, as "a truly remarkable man, mentor, coach, husband, father and human being".

McIntosh coached the Boks in 1993 and 1994 and would go on to serve on the national selection committee. He was considered a legend of the game in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, where he coached the Sharks in the 1980s and 1990s. 

McIntosh had been diagnosed with cancer and died in an Umhlanga hospital early on Wednesday morning.

Habana, capped 124 times for the Springboks, said McIntosh was "a truly remarkable man, mentor, coach, husband, father and human being".

"His passion and dedication to the game of rugby was beyond measure. His love for life and humour made a positive impact on all those who got the privilege to meet him," Habana added.

Kobus Wiese, who won the 1995 Rugby World Cup with the Springboks said, "few men have left such an impact through the great game of rugby on so many lives. His passion and commitment were legendary."

McIntosh coached the Springboks in a total of 12 Test matches. He also guided the Sharks to four famous Currie Cup titles in the 1990s and was on the losing end in two Super Rugby finals with the franchise.