Springbok and Stormers icon Steven Kitshoff calls time on legendary career

The 33-year-old bows out with 138 caps for the Stormers and 83 Test appearances for the Springboks, during which he won two Rugby World Cups, a Rugby Championship crown, a United Rugby Championship title, and a British and Irish Lions Series victory.

Kitshoff sustained the injury while playing for Western Province in a Currie Cup match last year, and after initial conservative treatment, he underwent stabilizing surgery.

Despite an extensive rehabilitation process, he has been left with significantly reduced neck rotation, and a specialist neurosurgeon advised that continuing to play would carry a high risk of further injury.

Having joined the Stormers squad as an 18-year-old - requiring special permission to train with the senior team - Kitshoff made his debut in 2011 and quickly became a dominant force in the front row.

He earned his first Springbok cap in 2016 and famously captained the Stormers to victory in the 2022 URC.

A fan favorite and key figure on and off the field, Kitshoff's presence will be deeply missed. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged the challenges of the past six months but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play at the highest level and represent the teams he grew up supporting.

"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 Stormers," Kitsy 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 Stormers on the pitch and gave the rehab and comeback the best shot I could, but it was not to be."

Kitshoff paid tribute to all those who have played a role in his rugby journey.

"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 the special feeling of running out to represent something much bigger than myself, I am also looking forward to an exciting new chapter in my life.

"I'll be there 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," he said.

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson paid tribute to Kitshoff and the contribution he has made to the game as a whole.

"Steven Kitshoff is an iconic player who will go down as one of the greats of our game. The only two players with more Stormers caps to their name are his good mates and fellow props Brok Harris and Frans Malherbe.

"Beyond his undeniable impact on the field and impressive longevity, Steven stands out as a top human being who treated everyone with respect and always remained firmly grounded.

"He started out as a prodigy and proved himself against the best in the world. He will be remembered as a fantastic rugby player and a credit to his family. Playing for the Springboks and the DHL Stormers meant a lot to him and that passion and love was given back to him by the fans," he said.