Double World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff in recovery after successful neck surgery

Kitshoff's last appearance in Green and Gold was in last year's World Cup final after which he suffered a knee injury that ended his time in Ulster early. Following his return, the loosehead was playing for Western Province against the Griquas when he suffered a major neck injury.

The experienced campaigner explained on the Boks Office podcast that the way the injury occurred was strange as there was no collapse or big moment in the scrum to force the injury.

Given that Kitshoff operates in the front-row the neck injury is even more complex and the Stormers have been extremely conservative with the situation.

Kitshoff's message on social media confirming the operation's success also urges fans to only trust information from his camp during this time.

"Thrilled to share that my operation was a big success!" Kitshoff wrote on social media.

"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!"

Assistant coach Dawie Snyman says he has checked in on the legendary Stormer but has not spoken to any of the doctors yet.

"We haven't spoken to the specialist or gotten any feedback from his doctors," Snyman admitted.

"I actually went to him just as he came out of surgery, just spent a bit of time with him. No update in terms of his situation. The first thing is that we want him to recover, and we'll take it from there."

Whether or not Kitshoff returns to the field is another whole journey but it is fantastic to hear such a serious operation has gone smoothly.

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