was his wont. Up until his death, Nicholson still served Maritzburg College and could each day be seen making his way slowly to the school in one of his two 1960s Ford Valiants, invariably with his daughter, Diana, alongside him in the front seat. Under his leadership, Maritzburg College came to be one of the sporting powerhouses of South Africa, producing 14 unbeaten First XVs and countless Natal and SA Schools' players during his 35 seasons at the helm. Coaching Nicholson coached numerous players, many of whom have played or are playing in international or national rugby sides. The names of these players include Keith Oxlee, Brian Irvine (captain of the Junior Springboks), Ormond Taylor and Andy van der Watt, and, since his official retirement, Joel Stransky (of World Cup 1995 fame), Jeremy Thomson, Pieter Dixon and Butch James. This exposure to internationally acclaimed rugby stars rendered Skonk one of the most recognised faces in South African rugby. Nearby to the Kent Pavilion at Maritzburg College, overlooking the school's main rugby field, Goldstone's, stands the "Nicholson Arch", which was erected in 1982, the year of Nicholson's retirement. It is a cherished tradition for each First XV player, as he steams onto the famous pitch, to reach up and touch the apex of the arch, in mute tribute to Maritzburg College's own "Mr Rugby". Nicholson co-authored a book with Tony Wiblin, detailing the complex and often turbulent history of Maritzburg College and its rugby, entitled Jimeloyo-Ji (which is the College war-cry). Later life and death In the company of many of his friends, Nicholson celebrated his 90th birthday on 6 February 2007. Nicholson's guests of honour included Ian McIntosh (the former coach of the Sharks & Springboks) and Josie Nel, the 99-year-old widow of Philip Nel, captain of the 1937 Springboks. On 6 February 2011, Nicholson celebrated his 94th birthday with his family. He died on 27 February, after a short period of illness. See also Izak Van Heerden, another coach from Durban High School. References RugbyRugby Maritzburg College School Profile interview of Mr JM "Skonk" Nicholson by Mr MM Marwick, 12 June 2007 Maritzburg College Archives Maritzburg College school magazine no 117, dated April 1983, p 37-40, "JM Nicholson Esq". 1917 births 2011 deaths South African rugby union coaches