Steven Kitshoff of South Africa challenged by Tomas Lavanini of Argentina during the 2023 Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on 29 July 2023 Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
WATCH: Springbok hero trains in Ireland for the first time
World Cup-winning Springbok prop Steve Kitshoff has arrived in Belfast to begin his time as an Ulster player.
Steven Kitshoff of South Africa challenged by Tomas Lavanini of Argentina during the 2023 Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on 29 July 2023 Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Springbok prop Steve Kitshoff has arrived in Belfast to begin his time as an Ulster player.
Kitshoff has been welcomed to the Kingspan by his new teammates and enjoyed a first training session too.
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The experienced Springbok frontranker will be a huge boost to the scrumming ability of the Irish URC team.
He also has an undderated ability in the loose and is an immovable jackal when he latches on to the ball.
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Watch: Springbok star Steven Kitshoff trains with Ulster
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“He’s just integrated into the group and got to know a lot of the boys,” Ulster assistant coach Jonny Bell said of the 31-year-old prop’s first day according to Ultimate Rugby.
“He’s been in all the meetings,” Bell added.
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“It’s great to have him on board. He’s looking forward to getting to know the boys and getting out on the pitch.
“He’s a good person to have in the group.
“He’s just a really humble, grounded type of guy and I’m only getting to know him but he’s a double World Cup winner and you don’t become a double World Cup winner without having a certain amount of gravitas and character.
“You can see that in the way he speaks and the way he carries himself.”
Impact
Ulster will be hoping that Kitshoff is able to lift the whole group in the same way as Duane Vermeulen had done for them.
Bell said that the Springboks who have stopped in at Belfast have been a boon to the organisation.
“When you get these world-class players, particularly of the character of some of the guys we’ve had at the club like Duane (Vermeulen), Ruan Pienaar and now Steven, these guys, their desire to share and be part of things and try to contribute is great.
“We’re delighted to have him, and I think he’s excited to be here and (he) wants to contribute,” stated Bell.
