DHL Stormers and Springboks legend Steven Kitshoff has been forced to retire from professional rugby following a serious neck injury, bringing an end to an illustrious career. The 33-year-old prop, who made 138 appearances for the DHL Stormers and earned 83 Springbok caps, received medical advice that continuing to play would pose a high risk to his health.
Kitshoff sustained the injury while playing in a Carling Currie Cup match for DHL Western Province in Kimberley last year. After an initial period of conservative therapy, he underwent stabilizing surgery. Despite extensive rehabilitation, he was left with significantly reduced neck rotation. A specialist neurosurgeon advised that the risk of further injury was too great to continue competing at the highest level.
“Playing rugby has been my life from a young age, and I was lucky enough to live the dream of many young boys by representing the Springboks and the DHL Stormers,” Kitshoff said. “It is obviously incredibly disappointing for my career to end in this way, but unfortunately, the risk to my wellbeing was simply too high.”
Kitshoff’s career has been one of consistent excellence. He first joined the DHL Stormers squad as an 18-year-old in 2011, requiring special permission to train with the senior team. He quickly became a dominant force in the front row and earned his first Springbok cap in 2016. His achievements include winning two Rugby World Cups with South Africa, lifting the Vodacom United Rugby Championship trophy in 2022, and playing a key role in the Springboks’ victorious British & Irish Lions Series.
A fan favourite at DHL Stadium, Kitshoff’s leadership and presence on and off the field will be deeply missed by his teammates and supporters alike.
“There are so many people who have provided incredible support for me over the years, not least my wife Aimee and my parents,” Kitshoff said. “I will always be grateful to all of the coaches, teammates, and support staff at both the DHL Stormers and SA Rugby, and of cours,e the fans who have had such a big impact on my career.”
DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson paid tribute to Kitshoff’s legacy, calling him “an iconic player who will go down as one of the greats of our game.”
“Beyond his undeniable impact on the field, Steven stands out as a top human being who treated everyone with respect and always remained grounded. He started out as a prodigy and proved himself against the best in the world. He will be remembered as a fantastic rugby player and a credit to his family.”
While Kitshoff steps away from playing, he remains committed to supporting the team, promising to be a presence at DHL Stadium, cheering on the Stormers just as he did as a young fan. “I walk away from my playing days with so many incredible memories that I will cherish forever,” he said.
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