Redelinghuys reveals Kitsie's unfulfilled Bok goal

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Julian Redelinghuys is sad he won't get to see Steven Kitshoff join the Springbok centurion club, but says his former teammate can be "super proud" of his career.

Kitshoff, a two-time Springbok world champion and Stormers legend, officially retired on Tuesday due to a serious neck injury after 13 years at the elite level of rugby. 

One of South Africa's most decorated and formidable loosehead props, the 33-year-old's career was defined by relentless work rate, dominance at scrum time and an unwavering commitment to the Boks and Stormers, who he led to a Vodacom URC title in 2022.

Redelinghuys, who was forced to retire aged 27 in 2018 also due to a neck injury, made his Test debut with Kitshoff in 2016 against Ireland. Speaking to the media in the buildup to Saturday's Vodacom URC clash between the Lions and Sharks, the Pride's scrum guru lauded Kitshoff's 83 appearances in the green and gold.

"I had a lekker discussion with Kitsie; where his situation and mine differed was that he had more than 80 caps for the Boks and his dream goal was to become a centurion," the eight-cap ex-prop told reporters.

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"I'm really sad that I won’t be able to see him achieve that, but he does have two World Cups under his belt and he played a massive part in building the Springboks to where they are now since he made his debut alongside myself in 2016.

"A massive congratulations to him on his career, it's a pity he can’t go on to achieve what he dreamed of, but he can be super proud of his achievements and the impact he has had for the Boks.

"I wish him well for his life after rugby. For any rugby player, it’s tough to end their career, you miss the team, you miss the boys but I'm sure he will be fine and I'm excited to see his adventures in the future."

"I played against him and he was one of the toughest guys to scrum against," Redelinghuys added.

"What I admired most about him was seeing him after he was selected with the Boks – his work ethic, how hard he trained and his focus on conditioning was more than any other prop I knew.

"For a loosehead of his size, he was so mobile and his skill level was something special. Normally players of his size are great at the set piece but his contribution on the field – his work at the breakdown and the tackles he made – was amazing.

"He was such a dynamic player. I have massive admiration for his career over the years."

Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images

The post Redelinghuys reveals Kitsie's unfulfilled Bok goal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.