Exclusive: Steven Kitshoff Reflects on Retirement and His Next Chapter

Springbok and Stormers prop Steven Kitshoff has officially retired from rugby with immediate effect. The decision comes after a serious neck injury that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation. However, due to the high risks involved, Kitshoff ultimately chose to step away from the game.

A Difficult but Necessary Decision

Reflecting on the past few months, Kitshoff admitted that his post-surgery period was particularly challenging.

"The initial eight weeks [post-operation] were quite stressful, and that’s when most of the discussions happened about my quality of life, my health, and the possibility of re-injuring myself, which would have been catastrophic," Kitshoff told SportsBoom.co.za. 

As time passed, and after multiple visits to his specialist, the difficult but necessary decision became clearer.

"It wasn’t that I didn’t want to carry on or get back on the field, but I had to consider what my life would look like in 10 to 15 years. That was the thought process behind my retirement."

"I had to ensure I could live a fulfilling life, be happy, be healthy and that’s when I knew it was time to call it quits."

The Extent of the Injury

Stormers head coach John Dobson revealed why the severity of Kitshoff’s injury was not widely shared during his rehabilitation process.

"For obvious reasons, we didn’t want to make it public while Steven was on this journey. His injury was to the C1-C2 vertebrae known as the ‘hangman’s vertebrae.’"

"If you damage your spinal cord lower down, like around C8, you might lose movement in your legs or lower limbs. But as you go higher, around C1-C2, it can affect your lungs. So, it wasn’t really a wheelchair discussion it was a ‘stop breathing’ discussion. That’s why Steven refers to ‘being still here,’ which ultimately made the decision a bit easier."

A Strong Support System

Throughout his career and during this difficult transition, Kitshoff has been surrounded by a strong support system, including his wife Aimee Kitshoff, coach John Dobson, teammates, and passionate fans.

"A big thank you! I’ve had an unbelievable career. To my wife Aimee, Dobbo [Dobson], the Stormers management, the Springboks staff, my teammates, and the fans. I’ve been blessed to be part of such an incredible union and franchise."

Future Plans

Though he hasn’t mapped out his exact plans post-rugby, Kitshoff remains committed to contributing to the sport in some capacity.

"There’s nothing concrete in terms of a plan, but I’d love to stay involved with rugby for as long as I can. The sport has given me so much, and now it’s time for me to give back whether through youth development, mentoring, or consulting. I just want to be involved."

A Possible Role with the Stormers?

Kitshoff has expressed interest in staying involved with the game, and the Stormers have a history of transitioning players into coaching or mentoring roles. Recently, former prop Brok Harris has taken up a consulting role with the junior squads and assists with the analytical side of the senior team.

Dobson did not dismiss the possibility of Kitshoff joining Western Province Rugby or the Stormers in a mentorship capacity.

"We actually had a chat where the team thanked and said their goodbyes to Kitsie [Kitshoff]. Maybe not necessarily as a coach, but more in a mentorship role. The obvious transition could be as a scrum coach or working outside scrumming."

Dobson also emphasized the importance of a coaching succession plan involving former players who bled for the blue and white.

"We’ve got so many guys who could transition into coaching, Brok [Harris] is already with the juniors, Deon Fourie has a lot to contribute, Ruhan Nel could be exceptional, and even [Seabelo] Senatla."

For now, however, Dobson believes Kitshoff should take a well-earned break and focus on his beer company, ‘The BombSquad Beer,’ which he co-owns with fellow Springbok Malcolm Marx.

"I think he needs to take a bit of a break and focus on Bomb Squad, not the drinking, just the commercial side! [laughs]."

"Maybe down the line, he can be involved in mentorship or breakdown work, but nothing rushed. We want him to stay connected to the Stormers."

Kitshoff hopes to be remembered not only for his on-field achievements but also for the kind of teammate he was.

"I want to be remembered as a great team man, a friend to many, a leader, someone who worked hard. That’s how I’d sum it up."

No Regrets

Despite retiring earlier than expected, Kitshoff has no regrets and is grateful for everything he achieved.

"I have no regrets whatsoever. I played rugby as hard as I could and gave my all for club and country. I never wanted to miss a match. Of course, it would’ve been nice to carry on playing, but unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be."

Steven Kitshoff leaves behind an incredible legacy in South African rugby. From winning a Rugby World Cup with the Springboks to being a pillar of the Stormers pack, his impact on the game is undeniable. While his playing days have come to an end, his presence in the rugby world is far from over.

Thank you, Kitsie!