BARBADOS – Rugby Americas North (RAN) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of RAN President and former Barbados National Team member, George Nicholson, after a valiant and brave battle with cancer.
Born July 21, 1967, George got his start in rugby during a stint at the International School of Kuala Lumpur, where he was accompanying his father on his one-year sabbatical. Upon returning to Barbados in 1984, George played rugby at Harrison College and at age 17 was invited to National team training. Thus began a rugby career that would span 22 years as a player and 14 years as a referee. George captained Barbados in the 1999 RWC Qualifier against Bermuda in 1997 and played rugby until 2006. George served as President of the Barbados Rugby Football Union between 2008-2014 and was elected to the Executive Committee of NAWIRA (subsequently NACRA and now Rugby Americas North) in 2008. George has served on the regional Executive Committee for eight consecutive years, including, most recently, as President.
On behalf of the RAN Executive Committee and Staff, we recognize that this is a very sad day for our region and World Rugby. George played a massive role in rugby, supporting through playing, on-field officiating, and administrating. He shared a common goal amongst RAN colleague and Union members to develop, expand, and create pathways and opportunities for rugby players within our region, and particularly the Caribbean. His dedication and commitment to growing the game for people of all walks of life was second-to-none, paired with a respectful and professional demeanor one could not help but admire. The RAN community is truly honored to have known, and worked so closely alongside, George. He will be missed by many, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.
George is survived by his wife, Carol, and two children, Kade and Zayn. His legacy will also live on through his impact in our game, throughout the region and internationally. Learn more about George and his impressive rugby career and life with our previous story here.
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