Ex-Bok prop rooting for Kitshoff

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Former Springbok prop Julian Redelinghuys has expressed hope that Steven Kitshoff will recover fully from his recent neck surgery and return to the game.

Kitshoff suffered the injury during a Currie Cup match between DHL Western Province and the Griffons.

The 32-year-old underwent a fusion procedure on his C1 and C2 vertebrae, with part of his hip bone used in the operation.

In a social media post, Kitshoff described the operation as a “big success”, thanked the medical team, and vowed to approach his recovery with determination.

Redelinghuys, whose own career was cut short in 2016 after two severe neck injuries, emphasised deeply with Kitshoff’s situation in an interview with Sport24.

“”I’ve had two neck operations and after the first one, I was able to play,” Redelinghuys told Sport24. “It also depends how high up in the spine is the issue.

“I’m not sure of the severity of the injury, but some injuries are operational and can get someone to play again, which I hope will be the case for him.”

Redelinghuys, now serving as the Lions’ scrum coach, expressed admiration for Kitshoff’s career and remains optimistic that the World Cup winner can return to the field.

“Kitsy is a special player and a top man, so having a discussion around his neck having heard about it, my heart fell for him,” Redelinghuys said.

“His situation is sad, even though he’s achieved so much, especially with 100 caps within reach. I’d love to see him get to that milestone because it’s well deserved, especially for a class player like him.

“He’s played a tremendous role in all the teams he played in, so if it were to end now, which would be sad, he would have done well. I hope it’s not a career-ender.”

Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

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