Springboks and Stormers legend Steven Kitshoff has been forced to retire after suffering a serious neck injury last year. The loosehead has been a key player for both club and country, and was instrumental in helping South Africa win the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023.

Steven Kitshoff has been forced to retire from professional rugby on medical grounds at the age of 33 after undergoing neck

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

South Africa prop Steven Kitshoff has announced his retirement from all rugby because of a serious neck injury that he said in an interview last year left him “two millimeters” from death.

Medical reasons were cited as the reason for the 33-year-old scrum's sudden departure from the sport after a successful 12 year career.

Springboks prop Steven Kitshoff has been forced into retirement at the age of 33 by a serious neck injury. The loosehead underwent stabilising surgery last year after sustaining the issue playing for Western Province last year.