SA Rugby thanks Steven Kitshoff: ‘One of our finest’

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander paid tribute to double Rugby World Cup-winning prop Steven Kitshoff following the announcement on Tuesday that he had decided to retire from the game after suffering a serious neck injury last year.

Kitshoff, who missed the entire 2024 international season due to injuries, went under the knife after sustaining a neck injury during a 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.

The Springbok stalwart, who earned the last of his 83 caps in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France (which the Boks won 12-11), enjoyed an illustrious career since making his Test debut against Ireland in Gqeberha in 2016. He won two Rugby World Cup titles with the Boks (2019 and 2023), as well as a British & Irish Lions series (2021), and United Rugby Championship with the Stormers (2022).

Adding to this, Kitshoff is the second most capped Springbok prop behind Tendai Mtawarira and boasts the second highest number of starts in a Springbok front row with Frans Malherbe and Malcolm Marx (17 Tests) – trailing record holders of Mtawarira, and brothers Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis, by three Tests. He also boasts a World Rugby U20 Championship gold medal with the Junior Boks in 2012.

Interestingly, both his Test tries were scored in away Tests against Italy, in 2017 in Padova, and in 2022 in Genoa.

“It is with mixed emotions that we acknowledge Steven Kitshoff’s announcement of retirement due to medical reasons,” said Mr 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.

“His name will forever be etched in the annals of Springbok rugby as one of our 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.

“His sportsmanship, integrity, and commitment to the game have inspired countless individuals, and has set a standard for future generations.

“As Steven embarks on new endeavours, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to him. May this new chapter bring him fulfillment, success, and joy. He can walk tall, knowing that he will always be remembered as one of the great Springboks of his time.”

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