Stormers boss comments on rumours around unsettled Springboks star
John Dobson has addressed the Steven Kitshoff links.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has confirmed that his team are interested in acquiring the services of Springboks loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff.
There has been plenty of speculation over Kitshoff’s future in recent days after he left the Stormers at the end of the 2022/23 season to further his career at United Rugby Championship rivals Ulster.
However, things have not gone according to plan for the Belfast-based outfit during on the playing field during the current campaign and they have subsequently parted ways with their head coach Dan McFarland in February while their chief executive, Jonny Petrie, also resigned recently.
Ulster’s struggles
Apart from that, Ulster are struggling financially – after reporting a £900,000 loss last season – and are reportedly willing to release the two-time Rugby World Cup winner.
And according to a media report in South Africa, Kitshoff is expected to be back in the Stormers camp by July 1.
On Friday, Dobson revealed that the Cape Town-based side are in “advanced negotiations to bring Kitshoff back to South Africa”.
“We are very respectful of Ulster’s position and Steven’s wishes. We would very much like to have him back and are exploring the option,” Dobson told Netwerk24. “Hopefully, we will have certainty within the next few days.”
“Nothing has been formalised yet, but Steven ranks among one of the greatest Stormers to date, and it will be a huge privilege for us to have him back.”
Springboks prop Steven Kitshoff’s departure ‘makes sense’ for Ulster
Despite all the speculation about Kitshoff’s future, Ulster skipper Iain Henderson is confident the Springbok will still give his best while he is playing for the province.
“I know he’s an ultra professional,” Henderson told the BBC.
“We’ll be expecting nothing different from him working through this week and looking forward to an exciting game at the weekend (against Montpellier in the Challenge Cup).”
Kitshoff has made 12 appearances for Ulster since he joined them from the Stormers. During that time, they have won just four matches and lost on eight occasions.
Although Ulster have struggled to hit their straps since Kitshoff’s arrival, Henderson was full of praise for his team-mate.
High praise from Henderson
“He’s been brilliant for us,” said Henderson. “He’s been brilliant for a lot of young lads in that scrum environment, around the park.
“He’s been filling the boots that he’s put on the international field before.
“We’ve seen him getting over a load of good balls, carrying well, being unbelievable in his chop tackle and defence.”
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