Bok star Steven Kitshoff reveals he was ‘two millimetres from death’ with neck injury

The perils of rugby and front-row play in particular were served a stark reminder this week when Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff revealed he was “two millimetres from death”.

In an interview with Rapport, double Rugby World Cup-winner Kitshoff spoke openly about his recent neck surgery and the injury that led to the operating table.

The injury occurred when playing for Western Province against Griquas in September and not in a glamorous Test match setting.

“It was just another scrum, then three cracking noises – pop, pop, pop,” Kitshoff told Rapport. “I kept playing, thinking it was a pulled muscle. But now I know; I was two millimetres away from catastrophe, from death.

“The first thing the specialist said to me was: ‘Listen, you’re lucky we didn’t bury you in a week.’ Because the vertebra that shifted is so close to my brain canal.

“Without the operation, I’d never play rugby again.”

Steven Kitshoff passes during the Boks’ Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 3 September 2022. (Photo: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images)

Initially rumours spread that Kitshoff’s career was over, but the player posted on his social media channels in November that they were not to be believed.

“Thrilled to share that my operation was a big success!” he wrote on Instagram in November, with a picture of himself in a hospital bed.

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“A massive thank you to my incredible doctors and nurses for their amazing care, and to all my family, friends, and loyal supporters – your support means the world to me!

“It’s going to be a long recovery journey, but I’m excited for the future ahead. Please trust me for updates on my progress and don’t believe any other sources. Here’s to healing!”

Steven Kitshoff battles for the ball during the Springboks’s World Cup match against Tonga at Stade Velodrome in Marseille on 1 October 2023. (Photo: RvS.Media / Sylvie Failletaz / Getty Images)

Steven Kitshoff and Deon Fourie power forward during the World Cup final against New Zealand at Stade de France in Paris on 28 October 2023. (Photo: Paul Harding / Getty Images)

Uncertain rugby future

At the time of the injury, the 32-year-old Kitshoff had recently returned from a stint with Irish club side Ulster to rejoin the Stormers in Cape Town. It remains unclear when he will play again – if at all.

“If my neck holds up, I’m going for it,” Kitshoff told Rapport about a possible return.

“If I have to retire, I’ll be satisfied. But I’m not done yet – I’ve always been a warrior for my team.

“Rugby’s a dangerous sport, but I’ll give my all because I’m fighting for my team.

“I’m still on heavy medication under instruction from the specialist, but other than that I’m okay.

“The thing I’m struggling with the most is pain at the top of my head. It’s probably to do with the swelling.”

Kitshoff has earned 83 Test caps and was an integral member of the victorious 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup successes.

A knee injury kept him out of rugby for most of 2024, before the neck injury. He last played for the Boks in the final of RWC 2023, when South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11. DM

Also read: Battered warriors, egos and an ‘uitkak’ session — how wrath of Rassie delivered World Cup glory