Former Bath and Stormers player Nick Koster dies aged 34
Former Western Province, Bath and Bristol back row Nick Koster has passed away aged 34, according to Bath and Bristol websites.
The South African came through Western Province, making his Currie Cup debut in 2008 as a 19-year-old at No.8, before going on to represent the Stormers in Super Rugby.
Koster joined Bath in 2012, making 11 appearances for the club before joining Bristol in 2013, quickly becoming a fan favourite. He spent four years with Bristol making 62 appearances and was shortlisted for Community Player of the Season in 2017 for his work with the club’s Community Foundation.
He joined Cambridge University in 2017, captaining the team while studying for a Masters in Social Innovation.
A Bath statement reads: “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.”
A Bristol statement reads: “Our thoughts, prayers and love are with Nick’s wife Jeannie and his two young children.”
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.”
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
Koster’s former Bath teammate Matt Banahan paid tribute by calling him “one of the nicest guys to ever pull on the Bath jersey,” while his former Bristol teammate Jamal Ford-Robinson said he was “genuinely one of the nicest and most humble blokes I’ve come across in life.”
Devastated one of the nicest guys to ever pull on the @BathRugby jersey is gone. RIP Nick Koster pic.twitter.com/u4Iw7TMRD2
— matt banahan (@mattbanahan1) July 12, 2023
absolutely gutted to hear about Nick Koster.
genuinely one of the nicest and most humble blokes i’ve come across in life.
very fond memories of our celebrations after winning the championship with bristol back in 2016.
RIP Kozzy.
— Jamal Ford-Robinson (@jfordrob) July 12, 2023
Comments on RugbyPass
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2 Go to commentsNow if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to commentsUnfortunately when you lose by far the two form players this season in Roigard and Aumua, you're left replacing two game changing Tanks with a couple of pea-shooters. Which is also about the speed of TJs pass.
2 Go to commentsBit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going. And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
37 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
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1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
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5 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
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11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
5 Go to comments