In July 2023, CURUFC was devastated to learn of the death of Nick Koster, 2018 men’s captain and former Co-Chair. Nick arrived in Cambridge in 2017, joining Queens’ College to read for a Master’s degree in Social Innovation following a successful professional career with the Stormers, Bath and Bristol.
Nick played his final two seasons of rugby at CURUFC while completing his studies. He earned two Blues and subsequently took on the roles of club Co-Chair in 2021 and director of the Varsity Match Company Ltd.
To continue his legacy and recognise his impact at Cambridge, the Judge Business School has named a scholarship for the MSt in Social Innovation in his honour. The studentship is open to those who are living, working or resident of, or have citizenship in South Africa.
The scholarship in Nick’s name was the result of efforts from his former CURUFC & Bristol teammate, Charlie Amesbury and Nick’s father, John. Charlie said “Nick continues to inspire us even after his passing by bringing down barriers to top education through this scholarship. This is a testament to his positive influence he worked hard to create within his community whilst he was with us. Well done to Neil and the social Innovation team at Judge Business School for making this possible”.
We at CURUFC would like to encourage any qualifying prospective student to follow in a great man’s footsteps and apply for the Nick Koster Social Innovation Award. You can find more information and how to apply for the award here:
https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/scholarships-loans/the-mst-in-social-innovation-award-in-memory-of-nick-koster/
Rugby players from any part of the world with an interest in social innovation may also consider applying for the CURUFC & CJBS Social Innovation Studentship, which supported Nick through his studies:
https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/scholarships-loans/the-curufc-cjbs-social-innovation-studentship/