“It is obviously incredibly disappointing for my career to end in this way, but unfortunately, the risk to my wellbeing was simply too high.” Those were the words of Steven Kitshoff on Tuesday as he announced his retirement from rugby due to a neck injury.
It was a sad way for the outstanding Springbok and Stormers prop to hang up his boots, having won two Rugby World Cups and the United Rugby Championship title.
The 33-year-old front-rower sustained a neck injury in a Currie Cup match for Western Province against Griquas in Kimberley last year, but despite surgery and a long rehabilitation process, the time has come for Kitshoff to make the big call to retire.
Having started his career at just 18, Kitshoff earned 83 Springbok Test caps, and featured in 138 matches for the Stormers, having also played senior rugby for Western Province, Bordeaux and Ulster.
“Playing rugby has been my life from a young age, and I was lucky enough to live the dream of many young boys by representing the Springboks and the DHL Stormers,” Kitshoff said in a statement on Tuesday.
“It is obviously incredibly disappointing for my career to end in this way, but unfortunately, the risk to my wellbeing was simply too high.
“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.
“There are so many people who have provided incredible support for me over the years, not least my wife Aimee and my parents.
“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.
“I’ll be there at DHL Stadium cheering the boys on, just like I did as a youngster. I walk away from my playing days with so many incredible memories that I will cherish forever.”
The end of an era. What a journey it has been with @StevenKitshoff 🩶💙
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) February 25, 2025
Full announcement https://t.co/vuluraHUsm#iamastormer #kitsie pic.twitter.com/sLFKRNkVIP
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson lauded the ginger-haired loosehead.
“Steven Kitshoff is an iconic player who will go down as one of the greats of our game. The only two players with more DHL Stormers caps to their name are his good mates and fellow props Brok Harris and Frans Malherbe,” Dobson said.
“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.
“He started out 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.
“Playing for the Springboks and the DHL Stormers meant a lot to him and that passion and love was given back to him by the fans.”