Springbok and Stormers prop Steven Kitshoff was fortced to retire from all forms of rugby on Wednesday.
Image: AFP
Lions scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys knows what Steven Kitshoff is feeling after a neck injury prematurely ended his career, but he says South Africa should be pleased that Kitshoff had the stellar career he did.
Redelinghuys was an eight-cap Springbok when he had to retire at the age of 27 due to a similar injury to that of Kitshoff.
He did not have the luxury of playing until the age of 33, as Kitshoff did, but Redelinghuys wishes the Stormers prop could have left the game on his own terms.
“I had a heartfelt discussion with Kitsy when his injury happened, and obviously, where our situations differed is that he was on 83 caps, aiming to become a Springbok centurion,” the popular scrum coach said.
“So, it is sad that he won’t reach that goal, but he has been a massive part of the Boks’ success in recent years and has two World Cup gold medals. He debuted in 2016 and was part of the Boks’ fantastic rebuild.
“A huge congratulations to him on a magnificent career. He can be so proud of his achievements, and I wish him well for his life after rugby.
“No player wants to end his career before achieving his goals. We all miss the changing room environment, and the changing room will miss Kitsy.”
Redelinghuys played for the Boks between 2014 and 2016 and almost literally passed the front-row baton to Kitshoff.
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