Nicholson played international rugby for England and was selected for the British Isles team on its 1899 tour of Australia.
Nicholson came to note as a rugby player while playing for Birkenhead Park, and in 1899 he became the first player form the club to represent the British Isles team; now known as the British Lions.
Nicholson was selected for the British Isles tour of Australia, and was described by the team captain, Matthew Mullineux, as 'a very fast wing'.
On his return to Britain, Nicholson found himself in favour with the English selectors and was brought into the England team for the 1900 Home Nations Championship.
The game ended in a Welsh victory, although Nicholson scored his first and only international points during the match with a try.