Farewell 'spicy Plum': Steven Kitshoff's Rugby Journey From Fresh-faced Kid To Springbok Legend

The beloved late rugby commentator Kaunda Ntunja gave Steven Kitshoff the moniker Spicy Plum because of his powerful scrumming on a rugby field and his bright red hair.

Its a nickname that Kitshoff embraced because he knew it came from a place of love and respect. It was even catchy. It also resonated with the South African rugby-loving public, who affectionately identified the loose-head prop by that name.

Unfortunately, we will never hear that nickname or Kitshoffs name shouted during a live rugby match after he prematurely called time on his illustrious rugby career due to a serious neck injury .

Kitshoff sustained the neck injury playing in a Currie Cup match for Western Province in Kimberley last year and after undergoing initial conservative therapy, the decision was taken to have stabilising surgery.

Following an extensive rehabilitation process he has been left with significantly reduced rotation of his neck and the advice from a specialist neurosurgeon was that there would be a high risk of another injury should he continue playing.