Former Bath and Stormers forward tragically dies at the age of 34

Tributes are pouring in for former Bath, Bristol and Stormers forward Nick Koster, who sadly passed away at the age of 34.

The cause of Koster’s death is not known at this point, but the tributes have been sent from former coaches, teammates and clubs.

Koster came through the Western Province Academy ranks, representing the side at Craven Week and youth levels before making his Currie Cup debut in 2008.

He went on to play 26 times for the Stormers before joining Premiership outfit Bath in 2012.

Bath pay tribute to Koster

Koster spent just one season at Bath before joining West Country rivals Bristol the following season, who he would play over 60 times for.

Bath paid tribute to their former player with a short statement on their official website, which read: “Bath Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Nick Koster. 

“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.”

RIP Nick

Former Springboks assistant coach Gary Gold shared his condolence on Twitter.

“Absolutely devastated to hear the news of Nick’s passing,” Gold wrote. “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!”

Bristol Bears also released a statement.

“Bristol Bears is devastated to hear of the tragic passing of hugely popular former player Nick Koster at the age of 34,” it read.

“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.”

Former Bristol teammate, Nick Carpenter-Brooks tweeted: “So sad to hear the news of Nick Koster, genuinely one of the nicest blokes in rugby – had time for everyone. Will be sorely missed”

Matt Banahan also paid tribute to his former Bath teammate.

“Devastated one of the nicest guys to ever pull on the @BathRugby jersey is gone. RIP Nick Koster,” the former back tweeted.

Former Springboks scrum-half Francois Hougaard commented ‘Devastating news’ on Banahan’s tweet.

Joe Joyce added: “RIP Nick Koster, one of the nicest guys to have played for Bristol and always had time for us young lads at the time. Very Sad”

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