Rugby

Boks handed fresh concern as Kitshoff suffers season-ending injury

South Africa loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff has played his last game for Ulster, as the United Rugby Championship club confirmed he picked up a season-ending knee injury against ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Challenge Cup recently.

The 32-year-old was not present for Ulster’s most recent victory over Cardiff in the URC. Until Tuesday, when Ulster announced that he will consult a specialist in South Africa, they had not disclosed the extent of the injury.

Following a scan and expert opinion, it was concluded that Steven Kitshoff’s knee injury against Clermont in the EPCR Challenge Cup Quarterfinal fixture is, regrettably, season-ending. This was stated in an Ulster injury update.

“He is scheduled to return to South Africa this week to consult with a knee specialist and determine the necessary course of treatment.”

James Hume, a center for Ulster, had a serious knee injury against Cardiff and will undergo surgery. specialist knee surgeon this week. Jake Flannery (thigh), Tom O’Toole (ankle) and Nathan Doak (groin) will also be monitored before the visit from Benetton on Friday.

Kitshoff had already agreed his move away from Belfast at the end of the season before picking up the injury in the Cup of Challenge. The two-time World Cup champion will rejoin the Stormers, the team he left behind following the Springboks’ World Cup victory in 2018.

The length of the prop’s absence from action is known, despite the fact that he will miss the remainder of Ulster’s campaign.

Ireland, the Guinness Six Nations winners and world number twos, will be visiting South Africa in July, therefore head coach Rassie Erasmus of South Africa will have to wait anxiously to hear from the specialist regarding the results.

If Kitshoff is sidelined for that series and the subsequent Rugby Championship, it will be a huge blow to the Springboks, as he will be for Ulster for the remainder of the URC season as they aim for a top-eight finish.

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