South African rugby stalwart Steven Kitshoff has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 33 due to a severe neck injury.
The injury, sustained during a Currie Cup match for Western Province in September 2024, where he was ‘lucky he wasn’t buried within a week.’
Despite surgery and extensive rehabilitation, Kitshoff was left with significantly reduced neck mobility, and medical specialists advised that continuing to play would pose a high risk of further injury.
A Decorated Career
Kitshoff’s rugby journey began with the Stormers, where he debuted in 2011 at just 18 years old. His distinctive red hair and formidable presence on the field quickly made him a fan favourite. Over his career, he earned 83 caps for the Springboks and was instrumental in South Africa’s Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.
He also made Springboks news due to their series victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2021, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s premier loosehead props. Additionally, he captained the Stormers to a United Rugby Championship title in 2022.
The Injury and Its Aftermath
The critical injury occurred during a routine scrum in a match against Griquas. Kitshoff said ‘It was just another scrum, then three cracking noises – pop, pop, pop,’ but continued playing, assuming it was a pulled muscle.
Medical evaluations later revealed that he was ‘two millimetres away from catastrophe, from death,’ and Kitshoff revealed the specialist told him ‘you’re lucky we didn’t bury you in a week’ because the vertebrae had shifted perilously close to his brain canal. Following surgery, he was unable to regain full neck mobility, leading to the decision to retire on medical advice.
Tributes and Future Endeavours
In response to his retirement, South Africa’s head coach, Rassie Erasmus, praised Kitshoff’s dedication and impact: ‘He is a true team man, and he earned enormous respect from his teammates and the coaches with his high work ethic, drive to be the best he can on the field, and his down-to-earth leadership qualities.’
Kitshoff expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, particularly from his family, coaches, and fans. He acknowledged the disappointment of ending his career prematurely but emphasised the importance of prioritising his health.
As he transitions from playing, Kitshoff looks forward to new opportunities and remains a passionate supporter of South African rugby. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Stormers and the Springboks, with Kitshoff leaving an indelible legacy as one of the most respected and accomplished props in modern rugby.
