The Springboks suffer another injury blow
There will be some cause for concern over the injury suffered by Springboks star Steven Kitshoff on the eve of the Test rugby season.
The Springboks management will be sweating following confirmation that Steven Kitshoff suffered a significant injury while on duty for his club in Europe.
Kitshoff plays for Ulster and according to the Irish club’s website, he has injured his knee pretty badly and has subsequently been ruled out for the remainder of the club rugby season.
“Steven Kitshoff suffered a knee injury against Clermont in the EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter-Final fixture and following a scan and specialist opinion it has been determined that unfortunately this is season-ending,” read the Ulster statement on the Springbok ace’s condition.
As a result of the untimely knock, Kitshoff sat out Ulster’s 19-17 victory against Cardiff in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this past weekend. And following the earlier confirmation that Kitshoff will return to the Stormers next season, it means he has now played his final game for Ulster.
The club also confirmed the Kitshoff will return to his home country for further medical examinations to determine the extent of his injury.
“He will travel back to South Africa this week, where he will see a knee specialist to decide on the required treatment plan.”
SPRINGBOKS’ FULL 2024 TEST SCHEDULE
Mid-year Test fixtures
Saturday, 22 June: Springboks vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: Springboks vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Rugby Championship fixtures
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs Springboks (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Saturday, 31 August: Springboks vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v Springboks (Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, Santiago)
Saturday, 28 September: SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
End-of-year-tour fixtures
Sunday, 10 November: Scotland vs Springboks (Murrayfield, Edinburgh)
Saturday, 16 November: England vs SA (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 23 November: Wales vs Springboks (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)