Emotions ran high after Steven Kitshoff reunited with the Springbok squad ahead of their game against the Wallabies at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium.
This comes after the player dubbed “Spicy Plum” was forced into early retirement earlier this year following a career-ending injury.
The Boks beat their rugby rivals 30-22.
STEVEN KITSHOFF REUNITES WITH SPRINGBOKS
Former Springbok Steven Kitshoff made a surprise appearance at DHL Stadium, where he reunited with his old colleagues before their game against the Wallabies kicked off.
As the official flag bearer, “Spicy Plum” waved the South African flag as the national anthem was sung. Kitshoff was also given the opportunity to carry the Webb Ellis trophy into the venue.
The 33-year-old’s appearance alongside the Boks was a sad reminder that his professional playing career had been cut short.
X user @More_Kerr posted: “That injury deprived us of a fighter.”
@AyandaFelemZA reminded the public that Steven Kitshoff was a champion, despite having to hang up his boots.
EARLY RETIREMENT
In February, Steven Kitshoff announced the heartbreaking news of his forced retirement.
Last year, the former Springbok sustained a neck injury followed by a complicated surgery and rigorous rehabilitation.
The 33-year-old said in a statement, “Playing rugby has been my life from a young age, and I was lucky enough to live the dream of many young boys by representing the Springboks and the Stormers.
“It is obviously incredibly disappointing for my career to end in this way, but unfortunately, the risk to my well-being was simply too high. I really wanted to finish my story with the Stormers on the pitch and gave the rehab and comeback the best shot I could, but it was not to be.”
Images via Instagram: @stevenkitshoff
Last September, Steven Kitshoff injured his neck during a Western Province Currie Cup game against the Griquas.
“Spicy Plum” claimed he heard a “snap” in his neck during a scrum. He later confirmed the injury had affected his C1 and C2 vertebrae.
Following the incident, Steven underwent a gruelling surgical operation called a neck fusion, which essentially fused the injured vertebrae.
DO YOU THINK STEVEN KITSHOFF MADE THE RIGHT DECISION TO RETIRE?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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