World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff reveals injury left him 'two millimetres' from death
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Steven Kitshoff has revealed he was just millimetres away from death due to a neck injury suffered while playing with Western Province in South Africa's Currie Cup against the Griquas in September.
The former Ulster prop, a two-time World Cup winner, returned to South Africa during the summer after a year at Ravenhill, joining URC side Stormers.
“It was just another scrum, then three cracking noises – pop, pop, pop,” Kitshoff told South African newspaper 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.”
The 32-year-old posted to social media in November that his surgery had been a "big success" but that there was a "long recovery journey" ahead. He still holds hope of returning to action.
“If my neck holds up, I’m going for it,” he said.
“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 played 83 tests for South Africa, winning World Cups in 2019 and 2023. The 2023 final against New Zealand was the last time he played with the Springboks.
He initially joined Ulster on a three-year deal last year but it emerged in April that the two parties had mutually agreed to end his contract, allowing him to re-sign with the Stormers.