‘You have to be super conservative’ – Steven Kitshoff awaits specialist’s verdict over concerning neck injury
Ulster's Rugby World Cup-winning front-row Steven Kitshoff.
Double Rugby World Cup winning star Steven Kitshoff’s future hangs in the balance as the Springbok waits on a medical specialist’s verdict.
Kitshoff is currently sidelined with a neck ligament injury which is dangerous in any space but even more concerning for an experienced loosehead prop in rugby union. As a result, the Stormers are approaching the situation with great caution.
The 32-year-old had just returned to Cape Town after an underwhelming stint with Ulster when he suffered the injury in a Currie Cup match, which has seen him miss out on all the Springboks Tests since the World Cup final.
South Africa is blessed with talent and Ox Nche has gone to a completely different level in 2024, firmly cementing his spot in the pecking order in the process.
Still the veteran quality of Kitshoff is missed by both club and country especially with the Rapport suggesting that the nature of the injury is possibly preventing the star from playing again.
Concerning injury
Stormers boss John Dobson issued an update on Kitshoff’s situation.
“We have to wait for six weeks, which hasn’t come yet,” he said this week.
“There’s a thing called an ADI gap, which is a measurement at the top of the neck. They are waiting until after six weeks to see if there is improvement.
“That hasn’t come yet. It will be in the next week or two. Then we will know whether he needs surgical intervention, which could mean he’s out for six to eight months.
“Where the injury is, you have to be super conservative.”
Possible replacement
Dobson admitted the Stormers have been eyeing Ntuthuko Mchunu of the Sharks as a possible addition at loosehead.
“We are not in negotiations yet, but he is definitely on our radar,” Dobson said.
“If you look at our loosehead prop roster, Kitsie, Ali, Sti and Lizo are all carrying injuries of some form. A 24/25-year-old Springbok like that would be a great addition for us.”
