Bristol Rugby star Nick Koster dead aged 34 as tributes paid to ‘remarkable’ player
RUGBY star Nick Koster has died aged 34 with tributes pouring in for the “remarkable” player.
Koster, from South Africa, played at flanker and number eight and made more than 60 appearances in five seasons with Bristol.
He retired in 2018 after representing Cambridge University, captaining the team while studying for a Masters in Social Innovation.
The cause of Koster’s death has not been announced.
Bristol Bears released a statement paying tribute to the late rugby star.
“Our thoughts, prayers and love are with Nick’s wife Jeannie and his two young children,” read a Bristol statement.
It added that fan favourite Koster made “a remarkable impact on and off the field”.
Bath Rugby also paid tribute and said it was “deeply saddened” by Koster’s passing.
In a short statement on the club’s website, a spokesperson said: “He will be sorely missed and will always remain part of the Bath Rugby family.
“Rest in peace, Nick.”
Gary Gold, who worked with Koster at Bath and the Stormers, described him as “One of the best schoolboy rugby players to have ever played the game and an outstanding person and friend.”
Koster came through Western Province and made his Currie Cup debut in 2008 at just 19.
And he soon represented the Stormers in Super Rugby.
He then played for Bath in 2021 before moving on to Bristol the following season after just 11 appearances.
Koster was shortlisted for Community Player of the Season in 2017 for his work with the club’s Community Foundation while at Bristol.