Springboks And Stormers Prop Steven Kitshoff Forced To Retire Due To Neck Injury

It is obviously incredibly disappointing for my career to end in this way, but unfortunately, the risk to my wellbeing was simply too high. Those were the words of Steven Kitshoff on Tuesday as he announced his retirement from rugby due to a neck injury.

It was a sad way for the outstanding Springbok and Stormers prop to hang up his boots, having won two Rugby World Cups and the United Rugby Championship title.

The 33-year-old front-rower sustained a neck injury in a Currie Cup match for Western Province against Griquas in Kimberley last year, but despite surgery and a long rehabilitation process, the time has come for Kitshoff to make the big call to retire.

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 DHL Stormers, Kitshoff said in a statement on Tuesday.

It is obviously incredibly disappointing for my career to end in this way, but unfortunately, the risk to my wellbeing was simply too high.