Steven Kitshoff's Close Call: The Story of a Rugby Star's Near-Fatal Neck Injury

In an exclusive interview with Rapport this past week, Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff provided a harrowing glimpse into the dangerous world of professional rugby, revealing how a severe neck injury nearly cost him his life. Recovering from his recent surgery, the two-time Rugby World Cup winner detailed the moment that changed everything during a routine game, not in the internationally watched fields, but rather in a local match for Western Province against Griquas in September.

Describing the incident, Kitshoff said, "It was just another scrum, and then there were three cracking noises – pop, pop, pop.” Initially dismissing it as a pulled muscle, he continued playing, unaware of the severity of his condition. Highlighting the gravity of the injury, he shared the chilling words of his specialist, "Listen, you’re lucky we didn’t bury you in a week," a testament to how close the injury was to causing fatal spinal or neurological damage.

Thankfully, surgical intervention was successful, and Kitshoff could share his relief and ongoing recovery on social media, urging followers to disregard any rumors regarding the end of his career and promising to keep them directly updated. His Instagram post was filled with gratitude towards his medical team and supporters, and a hopeful note on his challenging recovery journey ahead.

Kitshoff, who recently turned 32 and celebrated significant victories with the Springboks in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, faces an uncertain future in rugby. Despite the doubts, his spirit remains unbroken. "I'm going for it if my neck holds up," he affirmed, even acknowledging that retirement would be acceptable under the circumstances, given his successful career. However, he added, "I'm not done yet – I've always been a warrior for my team."

Even as he copes with significant pain and the effects of heavy medication prescribed post-operation, Kitshoff's story is not just about personal resilience but also a stark reminder of the risks involved in the sport he loves. His journey raises awareness about the physical toll rugby players often endure and the critical importance of medical oversight in sports.

Steven Kitshoff's ordeal may have paused his dynamic career, but it also highlights the challenges and the fierce determination that defines champions. As the rugby community and fans worldwide watch, his road to recovery promises to be another chapter of inspiration drawn from the very heart of the sports world.