Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby have paid tribute to 'hugely popular' former player Nick Koster who has died at the age of just 34.
The South African-born backrower joined Bath Rugby in 2012 having played for his Western Force and the Stormers in his homeland. He went on to make 11 appearances in the Blue, Black and White before moving down the road to Bristo where he played 62 times between 2013 and 2017, and is credited with 'making a remarkable impact on and off the field during his five seasons with Bristol.'
A statement from the Bears that said the club are devastated by the news, adding: 'Our thoughts, prayers and love are with Nick’s wife Jeannie and his two young children. 'The family requests privacy at this time.'
While at Bristol, 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. He also became an ambassador for Project Zulu, a Bristol-based charity that arranges for choirs from South African townships to tour the UK, that was started by University of the West of England lecturer Ben Knight. Koster's family hosted a members of the children's choir when they visited Bristol.
In a short statement on the Bath' website, a spokesperson said: 'He will be sorely missed and will always remain part of the Bath Rugby family. Rest in peace, Nick.'
Former Bath teammate Matt Banahan paid tribute on Twitter, writing: 'Devastated one of the nicest guys to ever pull on the Bath Rugby jersey is gone. RIP Nick Koster.'
Former Bath head coaches Gary Gold and Andy Robinson, meanwhile, also paid tribute.
“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,” Gold said on Twitter.
And Robinson tweeted: “He 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.”
After leaving Bristol, Koster earned a place at Queens’ College, Cambridge University to study an MSt in Social Innovation and was quickly installed as club captain of the Cambridge University rugby team, leading the Light Blues in the famous varsity game at Twickenham.
