The re-signing of loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff by the DHL Stormers signals the intent of their new owners to invest in the success of the team, writes MARK KEOHANE.
On Friday, the Stormers confirmed that the Vodacom URC-winning captain will return to Cape Town next season after being granted an early release from his three-year contract with Irish province Ulster.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane emphasises the significance of the 32-year-old’s return thanks to the equity deal between the Stormers and the Red Disa Consortium, and compares Kitshoff’s comeback to the retention of fellow Springbok Damian Willemse.
He credits Stormers director of rugby John Dobson for his role in unearthing elite talent while highlighting the reunion of Kitshoff and fellow double world champion Frans Malherbe as one of rugby’s most formidable front-row duos.
Keohane acknowledges the economic climate of the sport but notes a trend of big-name South African professionals returning to play domestically, citing examples from the Vodacom Bulls and Sharks.
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Guess who’s back? The Spicy Plum will be in the blue and white once again from next season. #iamastormer #dhldelivers #kitsiesback pic.twitter.com/940dePTAse
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) April 5, 2024
“The new owners of the Stormers made the most emphatic statement on Friday evening that there is a new ‘Rugby Sheriff’ in Cape Town – and this Sheriff means business,” he writes.
“They have brought back one of the biggest names in Stormers history … [and] the ‘Spicy Plum’, who started for Ulster in the URC against the Stormers in Cape Town a week ago, will never again have to prop down against his rugby soulmates in a competitive match.
“Dobson has done an incredible job of producing Springboks, but he was insistent a year ago, when Kitshoff’s departure was announced, that the influential front rower would always be welcomed back.
“Dobson went on record to say that it was not a case of ‘if Kitsie returns’ but rather ‘when Kitsie returns’. The return has been quick, and it is because of the new ownership.”
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
