Steven Kitshoff

Springbok front-ranker Steven Kitshoff will officially join Ireland giants Ulster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images

BREAKING: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff signs for Ulster

Springbok front-ranker Steven Kitshoff will officially join Ireland giants Ulster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Steven Kitshoff

Springbok front-ranker Steven Kitshoff will officially join Ireland giants Ulster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images

Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff will officially join Ireland giants Ulster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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According to the Irish Examiner, the 30-year-old has penned a three-year deal with the province.

Kitshoff was part of the Springbok team which claimed the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

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Kitshoff’s move to Ulster had been widely rumoured and the Irish side confirmed the news on Wednesday.

Kitshoff has played 73 times for South Africa, including starting against Ireland in the Springboks’ 19-16 defeat last weekend.

He will join Ulster from the Stormers for whom he is captain.

Kitshoff previously had a spell in France with Bordeaux Bégles from 2015-2017.

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‘Really looking forward to the move’ – Steven Kitshoff

Ulster head coach, Dan McFarland, said: “We are excited that a player of Steven’s quality has chosen to be part of the journey we are on as a club. As one of the best players in his position in the game right now, he will bring a world-class edge to our front row which will benefit our squad now, and in the development of our younger players as they come through the Ulster system.

“His set piece excellence and the physical edge to his play will, together with his winning mindset, be a real asset to us when he joins us next season, and we look forward to welcoming him to the province.” 

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Kitshoff, said: “It’s clear that Ulster is on an exciting journey, and it’s one that I want to be a part of. With some big wins recently, it’s my ambition to be part of the squad that takes that next step and secures silverware for the province.

“I’m really looking forward to making the move to Belfast next year. It’s going to be a change, but I know, from everything I’ve heard, that when I line out for the first time in front of a home crowd at Kingspan Stadium in an Ulster jersey, it’s going to be a really special moment.”

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