Double Rugby World Cup winner forced to retire due to specialist medical advice
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South African rugby has lost one of its modern greats, as Steven Kitshoff has been forced to hang up his boots at just 33 years old due to a serious neck injury.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Following specialist medical advice, the powerhouse prop has made the heartbreaking decision to call time on his incredible career.
A TRUE SPRINGBOK LEGEND
Kitshoff walks away from the game with an incredible 138 caps for the DHL Stormers and 83 Test appearances for the Springboks, where he played a key role in two Rugby World Cup victories, a British & Irish Lions series triumph, and a Rugby Championship title.
The injury that ultimately ended his career was sustained in a Carling Currie Cup clash for DHL Western Province in Kimberley last year. After undergoing surgery and an extensive rehab process, Kitshoff was left with significantly reduced neck rotation, with medical experts warning that another injury could have devastating consequences.
FROM TEEN PRODIGY TO RUGBY CHAMPION
Kitshoff's rugby journey began when he was called into the DHL Stormers squad as an 18-year-old, requiring special permission to train with the seniors. He made his debut in 2011 and quickly became a dominant force in the front row.
His Springbok breakthrough came in 2016, and just a few years later, he was lifting the 2022 Vodacom United Rugby Championship trophy in front of a packed DHL Stadium as the Stormers clinched the title in their debut season.
A fan favourite in Cape Town, Kitshoff's impact on and off the field will be sorely missed.
"I LIVED MY DREAM"
Reflecting on his enforced retirement, Kitshoff admitted the past six months have been tough but remains grateful for the journey he's had.
"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.
"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."
A THANK YOU TO FANS AND FAMILY
Kitshoff also took the time to thank everyone who played a role in his career.
"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 that special feeling of running out to represent something bigger than myself, I am also looking forward to an exciting new chapter. I'll be 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."
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Five British and Irish Lions hopefuls who FLOPPED in Six Nations round three
Steve Borthwick's men survived a late scare as Finn Russell's conversion slid wide, allowing them to snatch their first win over Scotland since 2020. Meanwhile, Wales looked revitalized under Matt Sherratt, producing their best display of the tournament so far.
But who had a weekend to forget? RUCK Editor Steve Smith takes a look at five players who struggled in round three.
Henry Slade – England
So much talent, yet another disappointing display on the international stage. Slade had a torrid time against Scotland, missing key tackles that left England exposed.
His defensive lapses piled pressure on his teammates, while his attacking contribution was minimal—offering little creativity in midfield. With fierce competition for places, could this be the end of the road for him under Steve Borthwick?
Nowhere near the Lions conversation right now.
Finn Russell – Scotland
A night to forget for Scotland's co-captain. While his passing and movement constantly tested England's defence, his goal-kicking proved costly.
In a game of fine margins, his missed kicks—especially the late conversion that drifted wide—ultimately defined the result. A fly-half of his quality is expected to deliver in clutch moments, and he'll know he left points behind. Scotland fans won't let this one slide easily.
The Lions will want their No. 10 to be reliable off the tee. Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast are breathing down his neck.
Jack Dempsey – Scotland
Struggled to make his mark in an intense physical battle. He carried with intent but was let down by handling errors and poor decision-making at key moments.
Scotland needed stability in the back row, but Dempsey was too often on the fringes rather than in the thick of it. A frustrating afternoon where his effort wasn't matched by execution, leaving Scotland's pack without the control he was expected to bring.
The No. 8 jersey for the Lions remains up for grabs, though Caelan Doris leads the charge for the 2025 tour.
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