Tributes pour in for Nick Koster

NEWS: Tributes have started to pour in for Nick Koster who has passed away at the age of 34.

He was loose forward and he represented the Stormers, Bath and Bristol.

Koster played for Bishops at school level and he came through Western Province's youth ranks and captained the side during the 2006 and 2007 Craven Week tournaments.

He also played for the SA Schools side in both years.

At senior level, he represented WP and the Stormers between 2008 and 2012.

He played a total of 32 matches for WP. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers in 2009 and went on to play 26 matches.

Koster eventually joined Premiership side Bath in 2012 before heading to Bristol in 2013.

He joined Cambridge University in 2017, captaining the team while studying for a Masters in Social Innovation.

"Bath is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Nick Koster," said a statement from the club

"Nick, 34, joined the club in 2012, making 11 appearances in Blue, Black and White.

"Everyone at Bath Rugby would like to extend their heartfelt sympathies to Nick's family, friends and teammates.

"He will be sorely missed and will always remain part of the Bath Rugby family.

"Rest in peace, Nick."

A Bristol statement reads: "Bristol Bears is devastated to hear of the tragic passing of hugely popular former player Nick Koster at the age of 34.

"The South African-born back row played 62 times for the club between 2013 and 2017, making a remarkable impact on and off the field during his five seasons with Bristol.

"In 2017, Koster was shortlisted for Community Player of the Season for his incredible work with the club’s Community Foundation, giving up hours of his own time to a number of programmes and initiatives with young people in the city.

"Our thoughts, prayers and love are with Nick’s wife Jeannie and his two young children.

"The family requests privacy at this time."