Steven Kitshoff retires from rugby due to neck injury

South African rugby prop Steven Kitshoff has announced his retirement at the age of 33 due to a severe neck injury that nearly cost him his life. The injury, sustained in September 2024 during a Currie Cup match, led to stabilizing surgery and extensive rehabilitation, but medical advice indicated a high risk of re-injury. Kitshoff, a key player in South Africa's back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, expressed disappointment over his career ending prematurely, stating it was a dream to represent his country and the Stormers. He recalled the frightening moment of injury, noting he was