Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff chats to the media during a press conference at last year’s Rugby World Cup FILE - Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff chats to the media during a press conference at last year’s Rugby World Cup. Photo: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP
Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff says his neck surgery was a success, and was now focusing on the long road to recovery, and hopefully a return to action.
Writing on his official Instagram page, the two-time Rugby World Cup winning Springbok said: “Thrilled to share that my operation was a big success!
“A massive thank you to my incredible doctors and nurses for their amazing care, and to all my family, friends, and loyal supporters — your support means the world to me!
”It’s going to be a long recovery journey, but I’m excited for the future ahead. Please trust me for updates on my progress and don’t believe any other sources. Here’s to healing!“
In a now deleted post on Facebook earlier on Monday, CCFM personality Marco David Alexander-Jacobs posted Kitshoff’s post surgery photos, and said that the 32-year-old’s rugby career was over.
Freak injury
Kitshoff hurt his neck in a freak injury while playing for Western Province in a Currie Cup game against Griquas.
It occurred during a regulation scrum, when Kitshoff said he felt something snap in his neck.
Ahead of the surgery, Kitshoff told Box Office podcast with Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger, about the nerves he was feeling.
“It’s bit of stressful one. It’s such a high area in my neck as well, C1-C2, which is a bit of an issue,” Kitsoff said.
“I just want to get it done, start the rehab process and see what happens after that.”
IOL Sport