Stormers
South African rugby president, Mark Alexander, and Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, paid tribute to retiring rugby stalwart, Steven Kitshoff.
The Springbok and Stormers front-rower announced his retirement from the game on Tuesday after suffering a serious neck injury last year.
SARU said Kitshoff, who missed the entire 2024 international season due to injuries, had an operation after sustaining a neck injury during a Carling Currie Cup match.
The 33-year-old prop decided to call time on his storied career after he was advised by a specialist neurosurgeon that there would be a high risk of another injury should he continue playing.
SA Rugby said Kitshoff earned the last of his 83 caps in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France, which the Boks won 12-11 against New Zealand.
He enjoyed an illustrious career since making his Test debut against Ireland in Gqeberha in 2016.
Kitshoff 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).
“It is with mixed emotions that we acknowledge Steven Kitshoff's announcement of retirement due to medical reasons,” said Alexander.
“Steven's illustrious career and unparalleled dedication to the Springboks have made an indelible mark on South African rugby.
“He has been a true servant and stalwart of our back-to-back World Cup-winning Springboks, representing our country with distinction on all levels of the game,” he said.
Alexander said Kitshoff’s name will forever be etched in the annals of Springbok rugby as one of the country’s finest loosehead props.
“Not only was Steven an exceptional player on the field, but he also exemplified what it means to be an ambassador for South African rugby off the field,” he said.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus hailed Kitshoff for his massive contribution both as a leader and key member of the Springbok team in the last few years.
“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.
“He is a true team man, and he earned enormous respect from his team-mates and the coaches with his high work ethic, drive to be the best he can on the field, and his down-to-earth nature.
“He will always remain a warrior and fine ambassador of what the Springboks stand for, and we wish him luck as he begins this new chapter in his life.” Erasmus said.
Kitshoff, meanwhile, thanked the Springboks for what he described as some of the best years of his life.
“The Springboks have been an incredible part of my life, and it was the biggest honour 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.
“It was probably one of the biggest achievements in my life, and I want to thank all the management and coaching staff that played a massive role in my journey,” he said.
