South African rugby bids farewell to one of its most decorated and beloved players, as Steven Kitshoff has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to a serious neck injury.
The two-time Rugby World Cup champion and DHL Stormers legend, who also won a British & Irish Lions Series and lifted the URC trophy in 2022, follows medical advice that continuing to play would pose a high risk to his well-being.
A Storied Career Comes to an End
Kitshoff, 33, made his Stormers debut in 2011 and went on to become one of the most dominant loosehead props in the game, earning 138 caps for the franchise and 83 Test appearances for the Springboks.
🚨 Career Highlights:
🏆 2x Rugby World Cup Winner (2019, 2023)
🏆 British & Irish Lions Series Winner (2021)
🏆 URC Champion (2022)
🔥 83 Test caps for the Springboks
🔥 138 matches for the Stormers
Despite his determined rehabilitation process, Kitshoff was unable to fully regain mobility, forcing him to hang up his boots.
Kitshoff’s Statement
Playing rugby has been my life from a young age, and I was lucky to live the dream. It’s disappointing for my career to end this way, but the risk was too high.
“I wanted to finish my story on the pitch, but it wasn’t to be. I’ll always be grateful for my time with the Springboks and the Stormers.”
He also expressed immense gratitude to his family, teammates, and supporters for being part of his journey.
A True Stormers Icon
DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson paid tribute to Kitshoff, calling him “one of the greats of our game.”
He started as a prodigy and proved himself against the best in the world. He will be remembered as a fantastic rugby player and a credit to his family.”
While Kitshoff’s playing days may be over, his impact on the game will live on as one of South Africa’s greatest ever loosehead props.
