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.

Clear reasons have been provided as to why Springbok star Steven Kitshoff had no option but to retire at the age of 33.

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.

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

The prop revealed late last year that the incident during a Currie Cup game that caused his injury had very nearly taken his life. "It was just another scrum, then three cracking noises - pop, pop, pop," Kitshoff told Rapport newspaper.

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus labelled two-time World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff "a true team man" after he announced his retirement.

Veteran Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff officially retired on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, after a serious neck injury meant he was unable to continue.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has paid tribute to Steven Kitshoff following the announcement of the prop's retirement due to a serious neck injury.