Concerns Voiced by DHL Stormers Director John Dobson About Steven Kitshoff’s Future After Surgery

Steven Kitshoff, who has recently rejoined the Stormers from Ulster, suffered a serious neck injury during the Currie Cup clash against Griquas in September. Following an intricate neck fusion surgery, the long-term implications of his injury remain uncertain.

In a discussion with Sportswire following their loss to the Sharks in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Dobson stated, “You have been misled on several points. The C1, C2 fusion is one of the most complicated neck fusions.”

“It’s crucial to recognize that the outcome relies on how well the neck fuses. The surgery has just taken place. A neck fusion would not be necessary unless there was a possibility it could allow him to play again.”

“At this point, we must wait to see if the surgery has been effective. The location of the fusion is worrying as it’s situated quite high at C1 and C2. Given the current situation, we need to follow the protocols; we are honestly still in the dark at this moment.”

Dobson emphasized the importance of the surgery to address Kitshoff’s condition and potentially help him continue his rugby career. However, the recovery process is anticipated to be both prolonged and challenging.

“He underwent a fusion for a definitive reason; he could have decided against continuing to play if he had opted for an alternative surgical option. We need to assess the results of the surgery and his future condition,” he added.

The Stormers are currently facing multiple injury challenges, including utility back Damian Willemse, who fractured his finger early this season.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus had originally selected him for the forthcoming tour in the Autumn Nations Series this October, but he had to withdraw due to a groin injury, leading to Cameron Hanekom’s debut call-up to the national team.

Moreover, the Stormers are also missing players like Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, and Evan Roos. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sustained a concussion during the match against the Sharks, failing the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and was subsequently ruled out.

Manie Libbok replaced him. The likelihood of Feinberg-Mngomezulu participating in the Stormers’ upcoming European Cup – The Investec Cup – match against French giant Toulon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this weekend appears minimal.