Springbok Prop Steven Kitshoff Announces Retirement

Image source: SA Rugby

Due to a serious neck injury, South African rugby prop Steven Kitshoff has officially announced his retirement from the sport, a condition he previously described in an interview as having left him “a mere two millimeters” from death. Kitshoff shared this emotional announcement in a heartfelt statement issued by his domestic team, the Stormers.

At 33, Kitshoff had an impressive career, participating in 83 test matches for the Springboks. He was part of the historic teams that won back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023. His last appearance in a Springbok jersey was during the nail-biting 12-11 victory over New Zealand in the World Cup final held in Paris two years ago.

Reflecting on his journey, Kitshoff expressed, “Rugby has been my life since I was young, and I was lucky to live the dream of many young boys. Ending my career this way is incredibly disappointing, but unfortunately, the risk to my well-being was simply too significant.”

The injury occurred during a domestic match last year, leading to an urgent need for surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process. In a candid interview with South Africa’s Rapport newspaper last December, he described the harrowing moment of injury. “It was just another scrum, then I heard three cracking sounds: pop, pop, pop,” he recounted. “I continued playing, initially believing it was just a pulled muscle. Little did I know, I was two millimeters away from disaster, from death.”

He recalled the initial meeting with the specialist, who delivered the alarming news: “Listen, you’re fortunate we didn’t bury you within a week.” This was due to the critical position of the shifted vertebra, which posed a substantial risk of affecting his brain canal.

After undergoing surgery in November, during which a piece of bone was taken from his hip to fuse the damaged vertebrae in his neck, Kitshoff’s recovery journey was filled with uncertainty. However, recent consultations with a specialist neurosurgeon indicated that “there would be a high risk of another injury should he continue playing,” as mentioned by the Stormers. This sobering evaluation ultimately prompted Kitshoff to make the tough choice to prioritize his health and retire from the sport he loves.

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Lebone

I hold a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies from Damelin, where I gained a solid foundation in various aspects of media communication and reporting. My experience includes writing travel articles for “What’s On In Mzansi,” where I had the opportunity to explore and share insights about South Africa’s diverse attractions and cultures. In addition to my writing, I have also worked as a radio host, where I developed my skills in engaging audiences and delivering compelling content. This combination of education and practical experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the media landscape and storytelling techniques.

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