Steven Kitshoff retires after injury left him 'two millimetres from death'

Despite extensive post-operation rehabilitation he has been left with significantly reduced rotation in his neck and has been advised that there would be a high risk of sustaining another injury if he played again.

RETIRED DUE TO INJURY: South Africa prop Steven Kitshoff has been forced to retire from the game because of a serious neck problem. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

South Africa prop Steven Kitshoff has been forced to retire from the game because of a serious neck problem.

Kitshoff, a World Cup winner in 2019 and 2023, underwent surgery after sustaining the injury on Curry Cup duty for Western Province in September.