World Cup-winning Springbok Steven Kitshoff is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering another unfortunate injury. The Springboks still have five tests scheduled this year, including back-to-back matches against Argentina followed by three games on their end-of-year tour.
Kitshoff, who missed much of the season due to a previous serious injury, had returned to the Stormers from Ulster to complete his rehabilitation. Unfortunately, he picked up a new injury during the Currie Cup final-round match against Griquas in Kimberley.
Coach John Dobson confirmed the severity of the injury, saying, “He’s damaged some ligaments high up in his neck. We will reassess in six weeks, but from what I understand, he is out for at least that long. Ligaments in the neck are a dangerous combination, and we need to be very conservative with his recovery. After six weeks, we’ll have a better idea of how much longer he’ll be out.”
This injury means Kitshoff will miss the start of the Stormers’ season, and it is unlikely he will recover in time to join the Springboks for their November tour, where they will face Scotland, England, and Wales.
Springbok Depth at Loosehead Prop
In Kitshoff’s absence, Ox Nche has taken on a key role at loosehead prop, with Gerhard Steenekamp providing solid backup. The Springbok squad is now set to assemble in Stellenbosch on Wednesday to prepare for their upcoming test against Argentina next Saturday.
LATEST SPRINGBOK SQUAD
- Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch, Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
- Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears).
- Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls).
- Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
- Utility forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).
- Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
- Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
- Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
- Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi (both Sharks).
- Utility back: Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).
