Rugby World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff reveals he was just two millimetres from death in ‘just another scrum’
12/19/2024 09:00 AM
South Africa rugby international Steven Kitshoff has revealed a scum left him ‘two millimetres from death’.
The 2019 and 2023 World Cup winner picked up a severe neck injury while playing for Western Province against Griquas in the Currie Cup in September.
He has since had to have an operation on the injury.
“It was just another scrum, then three cracking noises – pop, pop, pop,” Kitshoff, 32, told Rapport newspaper.
“I kept playing, thinking it was a pulled muscle. But now I know, I was two millimetres away from catastrophe, from death.”
It turns out the cracking noises the prop heard were vertebra close to his brain canal.
He continued: “The first thing the specialist said to me was ‘listen, you’re lucky we didn’t bury you in a week’, because the vertebra that shifted is so close to my brain canal.”
Kitshoff isn’t expecting to return to playing anytime soon and faces a lengthy recovery, but he is determined to add to his 83 international caps.
His last Test appearance for the Springboks came in the 12-11 Rugby World Cup final win against New Zealand last year.
“Without the operation, I’d never play rugby again,” he added.
“If my neck holds up, I’m going for it. If I have to retire, I’ll be satisfied but I’m not done yet.
“I’ve always been a warrior for my team.
“Rugby’s a dangerous sport, but I’ll give my all because I’m fighting for my team.”
Writing on Instagram after his operation, Kitshoff said: “Thrilled to share that my operation was a big success!
“A massive thank you to my incredible doctors and nurses for their amazing care, and to all my family, friends, and loyal supporters—your support means the world to me!
“It's going to be a long recovery journey, but I'm excited for the future ahead. Please trust me for updates on my progress and don't believe any other sources. Here's to healing!”
Before his injury, Kitshoff was playing for the Stormers in South Africa after rejoining from Irish side Ulster.
He has also played for Bordeaux during his career.
