Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber remembered the late Nick Koster in an emotional Rugby World Cup ad.
Images via YouTube screenshot/ Facebook: @jeannie.potgieter
‘For Nick Koster’: Springboks coach has fans in tears [watch]
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber had fans bawling after mentioning Nick Koster’s suicide in a Rugby World Cup ad…
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber remembered the late Nick Koster in an emotional Rugby World Cup ad.
Images via YouTube screenshot/ Facebook: @jeannie.potgieter
A Springboks ad featuring the squad sharing their motivation for defending their 2019 Rugby World Cup winner title has left many fans with a lump in their throats. Especially with the mention of South African rugby player Nick Koster, who recently took his own life.
The former Stormers player’s death was confirmed as a suicide by members of the South African rugby fraternity.
In July, Nick reportedly ended his life at just 34 years old. He left behind his wife, Jeannie, and their two young children.
SPRINGBOKS COACH NAME-DROPS NICK KOSTER IN EMOTIONAL AD
In the clip, members of the squad – including captain Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt Arendse, and many others – reveal who is inspiring them to put on their best performance.
Many of the players mention their old coaches, communities, and even fans.
Franco Mostert then name-drops previous Boks legends like Chester Williams, James Small, and Joost van der Westhuizen, all of whom have tragically passed.
But things take an emotional turn when Makazole Mapimpi – who tragically lost his own family at a young age – claims the team is also playing for Eben Etzebeth’s dad, who recently died.
In the second installment of the ad, Springboks coach had fans wiping away tears when he said: “For Nick Koster. I coached him”.
Watch the emotional clip below…
MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS FOR PLAYERS
The Springboks ad comes two months after Bishops Diocesan College rugby coach Tank Lanning confirmed that Nick Koster took his own life.
According to tweets posted by Lanning, Koster – who emigrated to the UK – suffered from mental health issues.
ALSO READ: RIP Nick Koster: Who is late Stormers rugby player? [photos]
He tweeted: “I only met Nick Koster a few times. Enough to know he was a good egg. Not enough to know the darkness he was battling”.
When one tweep if Koster’s death had been confirmed a suicide, Lanning replied: “Yes.”
As a young boy, Koster attended the prestigious rugby school, where he went on to captain the first team.
Others have made mention of Nick’s possible mental health challenges.
Sports psychologist Nic Venter tweeted at the time: “The sad passing of Nick Koster is another reminder that if someone decides its time to go, very little can bring them back.”
Player William Rose posted: “The sudden death of Nick Koster just emphasises the point of checking up on your mates. You really never know who is struggling with their mental health”.
Former Springboks coach Gary Gold retweeted a post that read: “Human compassion is so often lacking….be kind always”.
