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Steven Kitshoff: Ex-Ulster prop was ‘two millimetres’ from dying after scrum injury | Global News Avenue

Steven Kitshoff: Ex-Ulster prop was ‘two millimetres’ from dying after scrum injury

Chargers and South Africa supporter Steven Kitschoff has revealed he suffered a neck injury during a scrum earlier this year that left him “just two millimeters away from death”.

The 32-year-old, who is spending the 2023-24 season in Ireland’s Ulster province, was initially unaware of the seriousness of the problem during Western Province’s Currie Cup tie against Griquas in September.

He underwent surgery last month and will need a lengthy recovery process before returning to action.

“It was just another chaos and then three pops – pop, pop, pop,” Kitschoff told the Rapport newspaper.

“I kept playing, thinking it was a muscle strain. But now I know I was two millimeters away from disaster, death.

“The first thing the specialist said to me was ‘Listen, you’re lucky we didn’t bury you within a week’ because the displaced vertebrae were so close to my brain canal.”

Kitshoff’s most recent appearance for South Africa came in last year’s World Cup final against New Zealand, but he has not given up hope of going on to make 83 appearances for South Africa.

“Without the surgery I wouldn’t be playing rugby again,” he added.

“If I can keep going, I’ll keep going. If I have to retire, I’ll be satisfied, but I’m not done yet. I’ve always been a fighter for my team.

“Rugby is a dangerous sport but I will give it my all because I am fighting for my team.”

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