Nick Koster (2017) 1989-2023

The College is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nick Koster, who was an inspirational postgraduate student at Queens' from 2017-19.

Prayers were said in the College Chapel on Friday morning and Nick's death was reported in the Governing Body meeting, also that morning.

The College sends its sincere condolences to Nick's loved ones, including his wife, Jeannie, and daughters Peyton and Harper. Queens' will always be a home for Nick's family.

Nick Koster was born on 22 February 1989, in South Africa.  He attended Diocesan College (Bishops) in Cape Town, where he was regarded as one of most talented schoolboy rugby players ever seen. He was also Head Boy. He played for South Africa Schools and captained the touring side to England and France in 2007. 

He later played professional rugby for Western Province, the Stormers and then Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears. He studied at Northumbria University, Bath University (MBA) and read for a Master’s degree in Social Innovation at Cambridge. Nick won his Blue in 2017 and captained the University Club in 2018. He was then co-Chair of CURUFC.    

He was a director at ProServ in Norwich, at the time of his death. 

Nick was hugely influential in everything he did. He had a natural, effortless charisma and made a lasting impression on all those who met him. He was a great role model for his peers as well as the Fellows. Although he didn't need to, he played valiantly for the College XV in the Cuppers Competition in 2018, scoring four tries in the Plate Final. Those who played with him won't forget.  He really was a warrior.

Nick loved being a member of Queens' College and returned often. He visited most recently in November 2022 to graduate and attend the celebratory lunch in Old Hall.

He will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends from all over the world.

Rowan Kitt, Development Director & Fellow Patron of QCRFC

For further information, please email development.director@queens.cam.ac.uk