Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has lauded two-time Rugby World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff as “a true team man” after he announced his retirement from the game.
The 33-year-old today hung up his boots after a fine rugby career that saw him win 83 caps for South Africa that included World Cup and British & Irish Lions successes.
Prop Kitshoff has struggled with a neck injury he sustained in 2024 and missed the entire international season that year after going under the knife to fix the problem.
Vital cog in team
However, his neck has not fully recovered and he has been advised by a specialist neurosurgeon that there would be a high risk of another injury should he play again.
Erasmus lavished praise on the retiring player, who is the second most capped Springbok prop behind Tendai Mtawarira, revealing he had “enormous respect” for him.
“We are extremely sad that Steven’s career had to end this way, but we would like to extend our gratitude to him for his hard work and the sacrifices he has made over the years to become such a vital cog in the team,” he said.
“He is a true team man, and he earned enormous respect from his team-mates and the coaches with his high work ethic, drive to be the best he can on the field, and his down-to-earth nature.
“He will always remain a warrior and fine ambassador of what the Springboks stand for, and we wish him luck as he begins this new chapter in his life.”
Meanwhile, SA Rugby President Mr Mark Alexander also acknowledged the incredible career prop Kitshoff had, praising his “unparalleled dedication” to the Springboks.
“It is with mixed emotions that we acknowledge Steven Kitshoff’s announcement of retirement due to medical reasons,” he said.
“Steven’s illustrious career and unparalleled dedication to the Springboks have made an indelible mark on South African rugby. He has been a true servant and stalwart of our back-to-back World Cup-winning Springboks, representing our country with distinction on all levels of the game.
“His name will forever be etched in the annals of Springbok rugby as one of our finest loosehead props. Not only was Steven an exceptional player on the field, but he also exemplified what it means to be an ambassador for South African rugby off the field.
“His sportsmanship, integrity, and commitment to the game have inspired countless individuals, and has set a standard for future generations.
“As Steven embarks on new endeavours, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to him. May this new chapter bring him fulfillment, success, and joy. He can walk tall, knowing that he will always be remembered as one of the great Springboks of his time.”
It was not just on the international stage that Kitshoff enjoyed success as he also lifted the inaugural United Rugby Championship title with the Stormers in 2022.
Kitshoff reflects
He was a favourite for both the Cape Town outfit and the Boks and when reflecting on his rugby career he admitted it was a “massive honour” to play for his country.
“The Springboks have been an incredible part of my life, and it was the biggest honour to represent my country at the highest level and be part of an incredible team that went all the way to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups,” said Kitshoff.
“It was probably one of the biggest achievements in my life, and I want to thank all the management and coaching staff that played a massive role in my journey.
“I also want to thank my wife Aimee Kitshoff and my parents for following me on that journey, being there every step of the way, and for supporting me as went through tough times and good times, which allowed me to contribute to the team becoming one of the strongest in world rugby.
“It was a massive honour for me to represent the Springboks and I’ll support them till the day I die.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/rassie-erasmus-in-touching-tribute-to-true-team-man-steven-kitshoff-as-retiring-warrior-makes-springboks-vow
