By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Cheetahs and Springbok fullback Bevin Fortuin has died, his club Northam Rhinos confirmed on Thursday.
Fortuin was 46 years old at the time of his passing.
“With heavy hearts, we share the sad news of the passing of our beloved head coach, Bevin Fortuin,” the club announced on social media.
“The Northam Rhinos Rugby Club, along with our president Gonsalves, CEO Dunne, the executive team, and the entire Zondereinde community, extend our deepest condolences to his wife, young son, and family.
Fullview understands he suffered a suspected heart attack before a Rhinos rugby practice.
Fortuin began his professional career with the SWD Eagles, coming through their youth ranks in 1998 before making his senior debut two years later. He became a mainstay in the George-based side’s backline over six seasons, earning a move to the Free State Cheetahs in 2005.
He spent four years in Bloemfontein, where he also featured in Super Rugby for the Cheetahs, making 22 appearances between 2006 and 2008.
He returned to the Eagles for the 2009 and 2010 Currie Cup First Division campaigns, before parting ways with the union at the end of 2011.
Fortuin played twice for the Springboks, making his Test debut against Ireland in 2006 and playing against Australia in the 2007 Tri-Nations.
He joined Blanco as a player-coach and steered the club to the 2012 National Club Championships. He rejoined the Eagles as part of their coaching staff later that year, and was promoted to head coach following the 2013 Vodacom Cup.
Fortuin remained in charge until the end of the 2015 season, before heading to Pretoria to join the Bulls’ coaching structures.