DHL Stormers Director John Dobson Raises Concerns About Steven Kitshoff’s Future Post-Surgery

After recently returning to the Stormers from Ulster, Steven Kitshoff faced a serious neck injury during the Currie Cup match against Griquas in September. Following a complicated neck fusion surgery, the long-term implications of his injury are still unknown.

In the aftermath of their defeat to the Sharks in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Dobson told Sportswire, “You have been given incorrect information. The C1, C2 fusion is one of the most complex forms of neck fusions.”

“It’s essential to understand that the outcomes depend on the success of the neck fusion. The surgery was completed only recently. The neck fusion was only performed if there was a chance it could allow him to return to play.”

“Now, we must wait to find out if the surgery was effective. The fusion site is concerning, as it is located high at C1 and C2. Given the situation, we need to adhere to the protocols; we are genuinely uncertain at this stage.”

Dobson highlighted the importance of the surgery in addressing Kitshoff’s condition and potentially enabling him to continue his rugby career. However, he noted that the recovery journey is expected to be long and arduous.

“He underwent the fusion for a specific reason; he could have opted out of playing had he chosen an alternative surgical option. We need to evaluate the results of the surgery and monitor how his condition develops,” he added.

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

Initially called up by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series tour in October, he was forced to withdraw due to a groin injury, which paved the way for Cameron Hanekom’s first national team call-up.

Additionally, the Stormers are without players like Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, and Evan Roos. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu had to exit the match against the Sharks due to a concussion, failing the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and was subsequently ruled out.

Manie Libbok took his place, but the chances of Feinberg-Mngomezulu participating in the Stormers’ forthcoming European Cup – The Investec Cup – clash against French giants Toulon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this weekend seem slim.