Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff forced to retire
Double Rugby World Cup-winning prop Steven Kitshoff has been forced to retire from the game following advice from a specialist.
Kitshoff missed the entire 2024 international season due to injuries. He went under the knife after sustaining a neck injury during a Carling Currie Cup match.
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Kitshoff earned the last of his 83 caps in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France. He enjoyed an illustrious career since making his Test debut against Ireland in Gqeberha in 2016.
The 33-year-old won two RWC titles with the Boks [2019 and 2023, as well as a British & Irish Lions series [2021], and Vodacom United Rugby Championship with the DHL Stormers [2022].
Kitshoff is the second most capped Springbok prop behind Tendai Mtawarira and boasts the second highest number of starts in a Springbok front row with Frans Malherbe and Malcolm Marx (17 Tests) – trailing record holders of Mtawarira, and brothers Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis, by three Tests.
WHY STEVEN KITSHOFF WAS FORCED TO OFFICIALLY RETIRE FROM RUGBY?
The World Rugby U20 Championship gold medallist suffered a serious neck injury last year. He decided to call time on his career after he was advised by a specialist neurosurgeon that there would be a high risk of another injury should he continue playing.
“It is with mixed emotions that we acknowledge Steven Kitshoff’s announcement of retirement due to medical reasons,” said SA Rugby President Mark Alexander.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has also paid tribute to Kitshoff, praising him for his massive contribution both as a leader and key member of the team.
“We are extremely sad that Steven’s career had to end this way, but we would like to extend our gratitude to him for his hard work and the sacrifices he has made over the years to become such a vital cog in the team.”
