Stormers stalwart Steven Kitshoff called time on his career on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Image: Phando Jikelo, Independent Media
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus heaped the praise on 'a leader and key member' of the national side after Steven Kitshoff announced his retirement due to medical reasons.
Under Erasmus and former coach Jacques Nienaber, the 33-year-old Kitshoff was a crucial member when the Boks claimed two consecutive Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023. With Erasmus at the helm in 2019, Kitshoff was a founding member of the famed 'Bomb Squad' that terrorised the opposition in the second half of Tests, while he was a regular starter under Nienaber until his last Springbok Test - the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris against New Zealand.
Erasmus took over for a second stint in 2024, but Kitshoff didn't play any Tests during the rebuild season after a knee injury playing for Ulster, and the career-ending neck injury halted his involvement.
Stormers and Springbok legend Steven Kitshoff adressing the media on Tuesday during a press conference in Cape Town where he announced his retirement from rugby
Image: Leighton Koopman, Independent Newspapers
"He is a true team man, and he earned enormous respect from his teammates and the coaches with his high work ethic, drive to be the best he can on the field, and his down-to-earth nature," Erasmus said according to a statement.
"We are extremely sad that Steven’s career had to end this way, but we would like to extend our gratitude to him for his hard work and the sacrifices he has made over the years to become such a vital cog in the team. He will always remain a warrior and fine ambassador of what the Springboks stand for, and we wish him luck as he begins this new chapter in his life."
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander also paid tribute to Kitshoff. He said the loosehead has been a true servant and stalwart of the back-to-back World Cup-winning Springboks, representing the country with distinction on all levels.
Kitshoff retires with the two World Cup wins, claiming a British and Irish Lions series in 2021, a United Rugby Championship title with the Stormers and a gold medal with the Junior Springboks in 2012 during the World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape Town.
"His name will forever be etched in the annals of Springbok rugby as one of our finest loosehead props," Alexander said.
"Not only was Steven an exceptional player on the field, but he also exemplified what it means to be an ambassador for South African rugby off the field. His sportsmanship, integrity, and commitment to the game have inspired countless individuals and have set a standard for future generations.
"He can walk tall, knowing that he will always be remembered as one of the great Springboks of his time."