South African rugby powerhouse Steven Kitshoff has shared the shocking details of a neck injury that almost cost him his life. The 32-year-old Stormers and South Africa prop revealed that a seemingly routine scrum earlier this year left him “two millimetres from death.”
Kitshoff, who spent the 2023-24 season with Irish province Ulster, initially did not recognize the severity of the injury sustained during a Currie Cup match for Western Province against Griquas in September. The prop experienced three cracking sounds in the scrum—“pop, pop, pop”—but continued playing, thinking it was merely a pulled muscle.
It wasn’t until a visit to a specialist that Kitshoff learned the devastating truth. “The first thing the specialist said to me was, ‘Listen, you’re lucky we didn’t bury you in a week,’ Kitshoff revealed, adding that the vertebra that shifted was dangerously close to his brain canal.
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After undergoing surgery last month, Kitshoff now faces a lengthy recovery, but remains determined to return to the field. “Without the operation, I’d never play rugby again,” he admitted. “If my neck holds up, I’m going for it. If I have to retire, I’ll be satisfied, but I’m not done yet. I’ve always been a warrior for my team.”
Kitshoff’s last Test appearance for South Africa came in the World Cup final against New Zealand in 2023. Despite the seriousness of his injury, the veteran prop has not ruled out adding to his 83 international caps.
Rugby is a sport known for its physicality, and Kitshoff’s near-death experience serves as a stark reminder of the risks players face. As he battles through recovery, Kitshoff remains resolute: “Rugby’s a dangerous sport, but I’ll give my all because I’m fighting for my team.”
This revelation has sent shockwaves through the rugby community, further highlighting the sacrifices players make in the pursuit of glory. Stay tuned for more updates on Kitshoff’s recovery and his journey back to the game.
