SA Rugby Legend Steven Kitshoff Forced Into Retirement Due To Neck Injury
SA Rugby Legend Steven Kitshoff Forced Into Retirement Due To Neck Injury
Steven Kitshoff retires from rugby due to a neck injury, ending a legendary career with the DHL Stormers and Springboks. A true icon of South African rugby.
In a heartbreaking turn for South African rugby, DHL Stormers and Springboks legend Steven Kitshoff has been forced to retire from professional rugby following medical advice stemming from a serious neck injury.
The 33-year-old prop, renowned for his leadership and immense presence in the scrum, ends an illustrious career that saw him earn 138 caps for the DHL Stormers and 83 for the Springboks.
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Kitshoff sustained the career-ending injury during a Carling Currie Cup match for DHL Western Province in Kimberley last year.
After undergoing initial conservative therapy and subsequent stabilizing surgery, extensive rehabilitation left him with significantly reduced neck mobility. A specialist neurosurgeon ultimately advised that continuing to play would pose an unacceptably high risk of further injury, forcing Kitshoff to make the difficult decision to step away from the game.
“It is obviously incredibly disappointing for my career to end in this way, but unfortunately, the risk to my well-being was simply too high,” Kitshoff admitted. “I really wanted to finish my story with the DHL Stormers on the pitch and gave the rehab and comeback the best shot I could, but it was not to be.”
A fixture in South African rugby, Kitshoff’s journey began when he was called into the DHL Stormers squad as an 18-year-old, requiring special permission to train with the senior team.
He made his debut in 2011 and quickly became a formidable force in the front row.
After earning his first Springboks cap in 2016, he cemented his place as one of the world’s premier loosehead props, playing a crucial role in South Africa’s triumphs at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, as well as the victorious British & Irish Lions Series in 2021.
One of Kitshoff’s career-defining moments came in 2022 when he captained the DHL Stormers to victory in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. That title win, in front of a packed DHL Stadium, remains one of the franchise’s greatest achievements and a testament to his leadership.
A fan favorite and a pillar of the Stormers' forward pack, Kitshoff leaves behind an enduring legacy, both on and off the field. His presence, character and unwavering dedication to the jersey have endeared him to teammates, coaches 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 course, the fans ,who have had such a big impact on my career.
"As much as I will miss playing and the special feeling of running out to represent something much bigger than myself, I am also looking forward to an exciting new chapter in my life.”
DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson paid tribute to Kitshoff’s immense contribution to the team and the game as a whole.
“Steven Kitshoff is an iconic player who will go down as one of the greats of our game,"Dobson said. "The only two players with more DHL Stormers caps are his good mates and fellow props, Brok Harris and Frans Malherbe.
"Beyond his undeniable impact on the field and impressive longevity, Steven stands out as a top human being who treated everyone with respect and always remained firmly grounded.”
Kitshoff departs professional rugby with a decorated career and countless memories, but his presence at DHL Stadium will not fade.
The Stormers' faithful can expect to see their former captain cheering from the stands, just as he did as a young boy dreaming of donning the blue and white jersey.
One of the finest loosehead props of his generation, Kitshoff’s name will forever be etched in South African rugby history.
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