I hope he recovers but he truly needs to put his safety first and think of his family first. The position he plays in, will put an enormous

I’ll make peace with it’: Kitshoff hopeful of miracle injury comeback, but ready to accept worst ·

The two-time World Cup-winning prop was also forced to watch South Africa from home during the Autumn Nations Series.

Kitshoff provided an update on his injury before undergoing surgery. He went under the knife in November and has again shed light on his recovery.

Kind of wish he’d retire. Brilliant player who has nothing to prove, wouldn’t want to see him risk it because this is an injury which as he said himself could worst case kill him, even a “better” outcome would be a life changing injury.

Obviously it’s his choice and I’m sure he’ll be fully informed medically and etc but I can’t help but worry if he does return, especially in the scrum.

In an interview with Rapport, Kitshoff explained how his injury happened and outlined his desire to return to the field.

He said: “It was just another scrum, then three cracking noises – pop, pop, pop. I kept playing, thinking it was a pulled muscle. But now I know; I was two millimetres away from catastrophe, from death.

“The first thing the specialist said to me was: ‘Listen, you’re lucky we didn’t bury you in a week.’ Because the vertebra that shifted is so close to my brain canal. Without the operation, I’d never play rugby again.”

The 32-year-old has remained firm about returning to action for the Stormers.

He continued: “If my neck holds up, I’m going for it. If I have to retire, I’ll be satisfied. But I’m not done yet, I’ve always been a warrior for my team.

“I’m still on heavy medication under instruction from the specialist, but other than that I’m okay. The thing I’m struggling with the most is pain at the top of my head. It’s probably to do with the swelling.”

Kitshoff will be aware that a comeback is very much possible. When the time comes he will be welcomed back with warm hands by the Stormers and the Springbok coaching staff.