After retiring due to a major neck injury, South African prop Steven Kitshoff, a two-time World Cup winner, said he is leaving with “so many incredible memories.”
The 33-year-old, who has 83 caps and was a key player for the teams that won the World Cup in 2019 and 2023, sustained the injury while playing for Western Province in the Currie Cup last year.
Despite surgery and rigorous rehabilitation, a professional neurosurgeon warned him that he was at risk of suffering another catastrophic injury because he missed all of the Springbok tests last year.
In a statement posted on the Stormers’ website, he stated, “Ruby has always been a part of my life, and I was fortunate to live the dream of many young boys by representing the Springboks and the Stormers.”
“Obviously, it is very disappointing that my career ended this way, but the risk to my health was just too great.”
“I gave the rehabilitation and comeback my best shot, but it was not to be. I really wanted to finish my story with the Stormers on the field.”
From his 2016 test debut against Ireland to his final game, a 12–11 victory over New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup final, Kitshoff said his time with the Springboks was one to cherish.
According to a South African Rugby release, Kitshoff stated, “The Springboks have been an incredible part of my life, and it was the biggest honor to represent my country at the highest level and be part of an incredible team that went all the way to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups.”
“I think it was one of my greatest life accomplishments.”
The red-headed front row forward, who is South Africa’s second most-capped prop after Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira (117), received a heartfelt homage from head coach Rassie Erasmus, who led the “Boks to the two World Cup championships.
“He is a true team man, and his high work ethic, drive to be the best on the field, and down-to-earth nature earned him enormous respect from his teammates and the coaches,” Erasmus added.
“We wish him luck as he embarks on this new chapter in his life, and he will always be a warrior and a fine ambassador of what the Springboks stand for.”
Kitshoff, who played overseas for Irish province Ulster and Top 14 team Bordeaux Begles in addition to his three stints with the Stormers, thanked his parents and wife Aimee for their support during the highs and lows of his career.
“I am looking forward to an exciting new chapter in my life, even though I will miss playing and the unique feeling of running out to represent something much bigger than myself,” he stated.
“Like I did when I was a kid, I’ll be there supporting the boys [Stormers].” I have a ton of amazing memories from my playing days that I will always treasure.