The Stormers confront a challenge as Kitshoff’s injury sparks concerns
Concerns Expressed by DHL Stormers Director John Dobson About Steven Kitshoff’s Future Following Surgery
Steven Kitshoff has recently rejoined the Stormers from Ulster but suffered a serious neck injury during the Currie Cup match against Griquas in September. After undergoing complex neck fusion surgery, the long-term effects of his injury remain uncertain.
After their loss to the Sharks in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Dobson shared with Sportswire, “You guys have been misinformed. The C1, C2 fusion is one of the most intricate types of neck fusions.”
“It’s crucial to recognize that the results will hinge on the success of the neck fusion. The surgery was only recently completed. A neck fusion would not have been necessary unless it offered a chance for him to return to play.”
“Now, we must wait to determine if the surgery was successful. The site of the fusion is worrisome, as it’s located quite high at C1 and C2. Given the current situation, we need to follow the protocols; we truly remain uncertain at this point.”
Dobson emphasized the critical nature of the surgery to address Kitshoff’s issue and to potentially allow him to continue his rugby career. However, the path to recovery is expected to be lengthy and challenging.
“He underwent the fusion for a specific purpose; he could have decided against playing if he had chosen a different surgical option. We need to assess the surgery results and how his condition progresses moving forward,” he stated.
The Stormers are currently dealing with multiple injury setbacks, including utility back Damian Willemse, who fractured his finger earlier this season.
Initially selected by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series tour in October, he had to pull out due to a groin injury, allowing Cameron Hanekom to receive his first call-up to the national side.
Moreover, the Stormers are missing players such as Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, and Evan Roos. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu left the match against the Sharks with a concussion, failing the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and was subsequently ruled out.
Manie Libbok replaced him, and the likelihood of Feinberg-Mngomezulu playing in the Stormers’ upcoming European Cup – The Investec Cup – match against French giants Toulon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this weekend appears low.