“I came within 2 millimeters of death”, the chilling confession of South African rugby player Steven Kitshoff

Double world champion with the Springboks (2019 and 2023), the pillar Steven Kitschoff narrowly escaped disaster during a championship match.

“It was just another scrum, and then I heard three cracks, pop, pop, pop,” explains Steven Kitshoff. “I kept playing, thinking it was a torn muscle. But now I know: I was two millimetres away from disaster, from death.” That was the chilling revelation made by the South African left-back on Boks Office on RugbyPass TV.

During a Currie Cup match in South Africa between his club Western Province and the Griquas, just minutes after returning to action after a serious knee injury. “It happened in the strangest way. It was a normal scrum, nothing unusual. The scrum didn't even collapse, but during the scrum I felt something snap at the back of my neck, like something had come loose”, he explains.

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Six-hour operation

After undergoing a lengthy six-hour neck operation on November 20, the 83-time Springbok cap prop is now continuing his recovery. With the hope of being able to play again after a long period of rest. “The first thing the specialist said to me was: Look, you're lucky we didn't bury you this week. The vertebra that moved was very close to my brain canal. Without the operation, I would never have been able to play rugby again,” he told South African media.

“I will see the specialist in January to assess my recovery. If my neck holds, I will go all the way”, he added. “If I have to retire, I will be satisfied with what I have accomplished. But I am not finished. I have always been a warrior for my team. Rugby is a dangerous sport, but I will give everything I have because I fight for my team.”