Tributes have flooded in after news that former Western Province, Stormers and Bath loose forward Nick Koster has died at the age of 34.
A schoolboy star at Bishops in Cape Town, Koster captained Western Province U18 in 2006 and 2007, also representing SA Schools in both years.
He made his senior debut for Western Province at 19 in 2008 and played for the Barbarians against Australia at Wembley Stadium later that year. In 2009, he made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers. In total, he played 32 matches for Province and 26 games for the Stormers.
After five seasons in the Western Cape, Koster joined Bath in the English Premiership in 2012 and then joined English Championship side Bristol on an initial loan, a move that later became permanent. Koster helped Bristol earn promotion to the Premiership in 2016.
During his time in England, Koster was involved in charity work in South Africa, most notably as an ambassador for Project Zulu, a UK-based charity running educational development projects in townships in KwaZulu-Natal.
After being released by Bristol in 2017, Koster started his studies towards a MSt in Social Innovation at Cambridge University, captaining their rugby team in the famous annual Varsity match against Oxford.
Devastating news 💔 https://t.co/Yi2ANRUiW6
— Francois Hougaard (@Francoishougi) July 12, 2023
RIP Nick K
Someone I looked up to so much. Life is so short , forget and forgive always #Bishops pic.twitter.com/7zDIxIILdm— Nizaam Carr (@NizaamCarr8) July 12, 2023
Absolutely devastated to hear the news of Nick’s passing. One of the best schoolboy rugby players to have ever played the game and an outstanding person and friend. You will be sorely missed Nick. RIP buddy 🙏💔😢 https://t.co/adivoGDOaM
— Gary Gold (@Garygoldrugby) July 12, 2023
The club is devastated to hear of the tragic passing of hugely popular former player Nick Koster at the age of 34.
Rest in peace, Nick.
— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) July 12, 2023
Bath Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Nick Koster.
Everyone at Bath Rugby would like to extend their heartfelt sympathies to Nick’s family, friends and teammates.
— Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) July 12, 2023
RIP Nick Koster, one of the nicest guys to have played for Bristol and always had time for us young lads at the time ❤️ Very Sad pic.twitter.com/7wV5bpgPNX
— Joe Joyce (@JoeJoyce94) July 12, 2023
Terrible news, particularly for the Cape Town and Bishops rugby fraternity, with the death of Nick Koster. He was 34. Career took him from @THESTORMERS to England with @BathRugby and @BristolBears
— Martin Gillingham (@MartGillingham) July 12, 2023
RIP Nick Koster. A fierce competitor for both Bath and Bristol Rugby. I hope his family and friends are together at this sad time.
— Christian Day (@christianday) July 12, 2023
Photo: Gallo Images
