AUDIO: Stormers break down the plan for retired Springbok

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SPOTLIGHT: For every professional athlete, there comes a day when you have to pack up your boots and call it a day.

For some, there is the luxury of doing it on your terms which is usually accompanied by a farewell match.

For others, like one of the greatest players of this generation, Steven Kitshoff, it is an injury that spells the end of his career.

The Springbok announced his retirement on Tuesday, February 25 and it sent shockwaves throughout the rugby fraternity.

The double World Cup winner has been forced to call time on his illustrious career due to a serious neck injury he sustained playing in a Currie Cup match for Western Province in Kimberley last year.

*FOR MORE READ: Bok stalwart says goodbye to the game

It is a cruel and sad ending for the 33-year-old who concluded his career with 138 caps for the Stormers and 83 Tests for the Springboks, winning two World Cups and a British and Irish Lions Series on the way.

Kitshoff made his Stormers debut in 2011 and captained the team to the United Rugby Championship trophy and South Africa Shield in 2022.

When asked if the stalwart would head into a coaching career, Kitshoff, affectionally known as the 'Spice Plum' said he wants to inspire the next generation of rugby players.

"At the moment there is nothing concrete," Kitshoff said regarding his coaching ambitions.

"I would like to stay involved in rugby as much as I can. The sport has given me so much and it's time for me to give a little back.

"Whether it is youth development, consulting, or in whatever form but just want to stay involved as long as I can.

"I am super passionate about it, I've gained a lot of knowledge over the years and I love to be able to help the guys coming through reach their full potential."

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Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson shared the star's sentiments, stating his input will be crucial for the franchise's future.

"We are looking into different roles and not just straight into scrum coach," Dobson said.

"I think there is a mentorship and a bigger role besides scumming.

"The one thing I enjoy here at the Stormers, is there are so many guys that are transitioning from player to coach, like Brok Harris is doing it. Deon Fourie is not necessarily going into coaching but he's got a contribution to make.

"Ruhan Nel and Seabelo Senatla are going to be exceptional coaches.

"It would be nice if we had a coaching succession plan with guys who bled for the blue and white.

"So from my side, he probably needs a bit of break to focus on [his company] commercially and drive sales up and then we will have a chat with him.

"But I do imagine his new role will be in the form of mentorship and maybe some stuff around the breakdown. Nothing too rushed or too soon.

"However, the fact that we want him involved at the Stomers forever is unquestionable."

While it is nearly impossible to replace a stalwart like Kitshoff, Dobson revealed that the franchise has hit the market for a loosehead prop.

Aside from Kitshoff, Harris is set to retire at the end of the season, while Lizo Gqoboka is sidelined due to an injury and Ali Vermaak returned for the URC match against the Lions earlier this month.

"Stormers CEO Johan Le Roux has authorised about five potential transfers," Dobson said.

"We have to replace and work on our prop profile. We have three over 30s and one at 22, so there will be some new acquisitions.

"There is at least one signing we will be announcing soon"

Last year, Dobson stated that they have Sharks and Springbok prop Ntuthuko Mchunu on their radar to combat the loosehead prop crisis.

The Stormers will take on the Bulls this weekend at Loftus Versfeld.

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