Kitshoff to join Ulster from Stormers

:Stormers and the Lions at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on 17 October 2020 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Springbok seals overseas move leaving Stormers

Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has sealed his move away from the Stormers, with the Cape Town-based union confirming his move to Ulster.

Kitshoff to join Ulster from Stormers

:Stormers and the Lions at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on 17 October 2020 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has sealed his move away from the Stormers, with the Cape Town-based union confirming his move to Ulster.

READ | TWO SPRINGBOKS NAMED IN SIDE TO FACE BARBARIANS

Irish giants Ulster had made no secret of their admiration of Kitshoff, with reports in the country already reporting the deal to be close to completion at the time.

Kitshoff to Ulster now finalized

Now after months of speculation, it was finally confirmed by the Stormers on Wednesday that Kitshoff would, indeed be leaving Cape Town. The loose head prop made his debut for the union back in 2011 and has been a stalwart for them, for the most part. During these years, he would also have a stint abroad, more noticeably in France. The move to Ulster will represent his third club abroad.

Signed on at the Stormers after World Cup

The 30-year-old notably remained loyal to the Stormers when they experienced a large exodus of players. Chief among those were experienced Springbok teammates of Kitshoff and team leaders Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth. After intense rumours that he would too follow suit, he dropped a bombshell to the South African fraternity as he extended his contract to a long-term deal after the 2019 World Cup. 

READ | SPRINGBOKS WILL LOSE TO FRANCE, CLAIM BOOKMAKERS HOLLYWOODBETS

But now the World Cup winner has decided that it is the right time to part with Stormers and move on to greener pastures with Ulster.

Fulfilling boyhood dreams

“Growing up in Cape Town, playing for the Stormers was always a dream that I was lucky enough to live. We still have quite a way to go this season and I am very excited about what we can achieve together. I want to make this campaign a memorable one before I move on and begin the next chapter in my career.” Kitshoff said to the Stormers website.

Dobson pays tribute

Stormers coach John Dobson also paid tribute to Kitshoff.

“Steven (Kitshoff) has been an incredibly loyal servant of Stormers rugby over the years and he will leave at the end of the season to take up what is a life-changing offer with our gratitude and well-wishes. He is a true Stormers man who will always call Cape Town home and we are hopeful that we will see him back here in our colours one day once his contract in Ireland is up. Of course, we still have the rest of this season with him and knowing him like I do, I have no question that he will be giving everything for the cause, as he always has.” Said Dobson.

Still plenty to play for

Having been a key component of the team that won the inaugural United Rugby Championship last season, Kitshoff will finish this campaign with the Stormers before moving on to Ulster. “Spicy Plumb” as he is affectionately known as by the isiXhosa Commentators, is currently the third most capped player for the Cape Town side, on 122 appearance to date.