Steven Kitshoff, also known as 'Veld-Fire,' is a South African rugby union player who has made a name for himself as a talented loosehead prop. He has had an impressive career, representing various teams and achieving notable successes on both the domestic and international stages.
A product of Paul Roos Gymnasium, Kitshoff's journey began with Western Province, where he traded places with veteran prop Brok Harris during his first season. Known for his destructive running and mobility despite his size, Kitshoff played a crucial role in the victorious Baby Bok team that won the IRB Junior World Championship in 2012. He was also part of the Western Province team that claimed the Currie Cup title in the same year.
However, his 2014 season was marred by a season-ending injury during the Super Rugby campaign, which prevented him from contributing to Western Province's successful Currie Cup campaign. In February 2015, Kitshoff joined French Top 14 side Bordeaux on a two-year deal following the conclusion of the 2015 Currie Cup Premier Division.
May 2016 marked a significant milestone in Kitshoff's career as he made his Test debut for the South African national team. He was included in the 31-man squad for the three-test series against Ireland and played his first Test match on 25 June 2016, contributing to a 19-13 victory. After his stint in France, Kitshoff returned to the Stormers and Western Province.
During his international career, Kitshoff initially served as a replacement in his first 18 appearances for the Springboks before earning his first start on 7 October 2017. He became a regular player for the national team, accumulating 23 test caps by June 2021. He was part of the Springbok squad that won the Rugby Championship in 2019 and the Rugby World Cup, where he came off the bench to contribute to the team's success.
In April 2021, Kitshoff extended his contract with Western Province for three years and was appointed captain of the Stormers. With 47 test caps under his belt, he played in the tests against Georgia and the British & Irish Lions. Additionally, Kitshoff was selected by coach Jacques Nienaber to represent the South Africa A team, which secured a 17-13 victory against Warren Gatland's charges.
In his second stint with the Stormers, he was named captain of the team in 2021, and led the team as they won the inaugural United Rugby Championship in 2022.
He led the Stormers to a second consecutive final in 2023, before signing for Ulster ahead of the 2023-24 season
The Ulster player has been chosen for his second consecutive rugby world cup. He is the most capped prop amongst those chosen for the 2023 Rugby world cup.
KT Aug 2023
Career
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Stormers Loosehead Prop |
2011 - present |
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Western Province Loosehead Prop |
2014 - present |
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South Africa U20's Loosehead Prop |
2012 - 2012 |
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Union Bordeaux Begles Loosehead Prop |
2015 - 2017 |
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Barbarians Loosehead Prop |
2018 - 2021 |
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Paul Roos Gymnasium Loosehead Prop |
|
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Springbok Gold Loosehead Prop |
2020 - 2024 |
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South Africa A Loosehead Prop |
2021 - 2024 |
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Ulster Rugby Loosehead Prop |
2023 - 2024 |
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South Africa Loosehead Prop |
2016 - 2024 |
