Nick Köster obituary

South African rugby union player Nick Köster died on July 12, 2023, at the age of 34.

Since the news of his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from across the globe.

Former Bath head coach Gary Gold wrote on Twitter: “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”.

For Bristol’s former head coach Andy Robinson, Koster was “a wonderful human being who had a huge impact on me and my families lives with his kindness, generosity, great sense of humour and rugby ability. All our love and thoughts are with his family.”

According to Gloucester prop Jamal Ford-Robinson, Koster was “genuinely one of the nicest and most humble blokes” he has ever met.

Koster is survived by his wife, Jeannie, and two children.

About Nick Koster

Nick Köster played for Bristol as a Flanker or Eight Man, after a successful career with Bishops College in Cape Town and Cambridge University R.U.F.C., where served as captain of the team.

The South African-born player made his Currie Cup debut in 2008, playing at 8th man, and his Super Rugby debut as a winger for the Stormers in 2009.

Koster began playing for Bath in 2012, and represented the team in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The following year, he joined then RFU Championship club Bristol and took part in the Aviva Premiership.

Outside of sports, Nick had been an ambassador for the free educational programme Project Zulu.