EXCLUSIVE: Stormers sign Steven Kitshoff replacement 

The Stormers have moved quickly to fill the impending void that will be left by captain and Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff.

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Kitshoff is set to depart the Stormers at the end of the United Rugby Championship (URC), with a move to Irish giants Ulster already signed. 

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Kitshoff, will have the opportunity to have a grand farewell in Stormers colours, in front of their home fans, when they take on his soon to be rivals Munster in the URC final at the Cape Town Stadium next week Saturday. 

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That final will also give Kitshoff the opportunity to lift his second URC trophy at the same stadium in consecutive years, a feat that would rubber stamp his already legendary stature at the Stormers. Although it would be very hard to find someone who can replace him and his influence on that team, this publication has it on good authority that they have signed Lions losehead prop Sti Sithole. 

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Rumours started circulating around February that Sithole was a player that was interesting the Stormers, and his signing makes sense as, not long after the rumours, he found his game time being reduced under coach Ivan “Cash” van Rooyen. Two different sources confirmed the signing to The South African News both last week and yesterday. 

Sithole to the Stormers confirmed

“Sti Sithole to the Stormers is old news, it was done a long time ago. He will be joining them at the start of the next season in July.” Said the first source, who was close to the proceedings. 

A second source did not need many words to confirm the news either, when asked by the publication on Monday. 

“(Laughs) it’s true, Sti has signed (for the Stormers)” said a source from the Western Cape-based union. 

Welcome return for Sti?

Sithole signing for the Stormers will be somewhat of a ‘homecoming’ for the player, who was previously a part of their development structures. It would not be long before the 29-year-old’s pursuit of regular game time would see the player move to the Lions, where he established himself as a senior player.