RIP: Former Bulls forward passes away

Born in Newlands, Cape Town, Russell Nelson was a proud product of Bishops, having established himself as multi-talented youth sportsman.

After opting to tackle rugby professionally, he went on to represent Boland and later the Bulls before embarking on a career-defining move abroad where he made 30 senior appearances for Irish club Ulster.

In a statement, Ulster said the club was “deeply saddened” by the news of Russell Nelson’s unexpected death in Cape Town last Friday.

The cause of death has not been publicly confirmed at this stage.

Russell Nelson was a popular figure on and off the field

Alongside his career with Ulster, Nelson played for Ballymena RFC in the All-Ireland League and helped the club to the title for the first time in 2003.

Ballymena said the achievement “holds a special place” in the club’s history in a tribute to Nelson.

Meanwhile, in a post on social media, Ulster hailed Nelson’s “leadership and character” during his time with the Irish province.

“He will be remembered with great respect by teammates, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Ulster stated.

“Our heartfelt condolences are with Russell’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Tributes pour in

In a post from the Bishops Website, the school also paid tribute to their former pupil, who is survived by his wife Caroline, his sons Marc and Adam, his stepdaughter Emma, and his parents, Don and Babs.

“Born in Newlands, Cape Town, in 1973, Russell was a proud product of Bishops, where he excelled as a talented sportsman in both rugby and basketball. His passion for rugby carried him to an impressive first-class career, representing Boland, Bulls, and Ulster, before concluding his playing days with a memorable stint in Portugal,” the statement read.

“After hanging up his boots, Russell joined his father, Don, at the family publishing house. There, his love for books and retail flourished – particularly through his involvement with The Book People. Most recently, he proudly published the beautifully produced coffee-table book 25 Great South African Rugby Schools: A History of Excellence, a testament to his deep connection to the sport and its heritage in South Africa.

“Above all, Russell was a kind-hearted family man who cherished Caroline and doted on his children with unwavering love and pride. In rugby circles, he was widely respected and admired. Just recently, he embraced a new chapter at Grey High School and Rugby Club in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), where his energy and insight were already making a meaningful impact.

“Russell lived life to the fullest – never one for dull moments. Full of  ideas, he enjoyed thoughtful conversations about life, politics, and everything in between. A larger-than-life personality with a commanding presence, he brought warmth, enthusiasm, and generosity wherever he went. He will be deeply missed by his former teammates, countless friends, and his loving family.”

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