Steven Kitshoff, the 32-year-old two-time World Cup winner and Vodacom URC-winning captain, is set to leave Ulster at the end of the 2023/24 season, returning to his former team, the DHL Stormers, in Cape Town. Kitshoff's departure comes after a one-year stint with Ulster, a move that has been confirmed by both Ulster Rugby and the Stormers. The decision for Kitshoff to return to South Africa has been described as mutually beneficial by Bernard Jackman and inevitable by others in the rugby community. Kitshoff's return is eagerly anticipated by the Stormers, with the backing of new owners facilitating his swift re-signing. Additionally, Ulster Rugby is currently facing turmoil, having also parted ways with their head coach and CEO. Despite some media labeling Kitshoff a "flop," he is ranked #1 in the URC's index, with his performance impacted by a lack of pre-season and a demanding schedule from previous commitments. Kitshoff is affectionately known as "Spicy Plum" among fans.
Kitshoff isn't a flop. He isn't leaving Ulster early because he's been kak, like. He was a bit of a premature signing from Ulster when they weren't quite ready for that final trophy-winning jigsaw piece but he's been about as good as you could expect for them, given how they'veβ¦
A lot of talk about Kitshoff being a βflopβ by certain parts of the media. Some key points: He is ranked #1 in the URCβs index π https://t.co/HSFNsRKl4o He had no pre-season and came straight into the team off the back of a 4 month long Springbok season + full Stormersβ¦ https://t.co/MoRe1Bfad3
What is going on at @UlsterRugby? Head coach? Gone. Chief Executive? Gone. Marquee player? Gone. Just four months after arriving as a double World Cup winner itβs just been confirmed Steven Kitshoff is heading back to @THESTORMERS
π£οΈ βWe always wanted to get him back and I am just thrilled that with the backing of our new owners, we have been able to make that happen so quickly." βοΈ Steven Kitshoff will rejoin the Stormers. https://t.co/savyG46WAL
Steven Kitshoff: Two-time World Cup winner to leave Ulster in the summer https://t.co/mG3VQv4glS
π¨ CONFIRMED!π¨ βοΈ Steven Kitshoff is returning to the Stormers, full story.π https://t.co/zujFYOKesQ
Yet another Springbok heading back to South Africa next season π #rugby #BKTURC #Springbok https://t.co/0E0btrI3An
TRANSFER: Ulster confirm Kitshoff exit with South African homecoming agreed #Springboks #URC #rugby Click below for more β€΅οΈ https://t.co/eO8UPsJa4h
The DHL Stormers have confirmed that @Vodacom URC-winning captain Steven Kitshoff will return to Cape Town next season. https://t.co/MjYpCE6yiW
ππ’ππ¬π’π'π¬ ππ¨π¦π’π§π π‘π¨π¦π! π₯ Iconic DHL Stormer @StevenKitshoff will be coming home to Cape Town next season. π¬ 'It is no secret what Cape Town and the DHL Stormers mean to me' Full announcement π https://t.co/37jNDu6Emi #iamastormer #dhldelivers #kitsiesback https://t.co/9LQ4sBS3Qq
CONFIRMED: Steven Kitshoff is returning to the Stormers next season! π¨ Spicy Plum πΆοΈπ https://t.co/tI8OWfC89j
βοΈ BREAKING: The Stormers have confirmed the re-signing of Steven Kitshoff. The Springbok loosehead prop has only been at Ulster for a season, but will be returning to Cape Town next season. Ulster in real turmoil right now after also parting way with their Head Coach and CEO.
βοΈ TRANSFER NEWS: Steven Kitshoff will be a Stormer once again. The 32-year-old will head back to Cape Town after his one year stint at Ulster. Inevitable really. #BKTURC
Ulster Rugby can confirm that Senior Menβs player, Steven Kitshoff, will leave the province at the end of the 2023/24 season. We wish Steven and his wife, Aimee, the best for their return home to South Africa. Full story β€΅οΈ https://t.co/Ggz8gWFH3e https://t.co/gCOOet7niN
π£οΈ "The Kisthoff rumour that he is going back to the Stormers is not surprising, really." πΏπ¦βͺ @bernardjackman believes that Steven Kitshoff's departure would be mutually beneficial. https://t.co/v2Kk1fQHqB
π€ Could Steven Kitshoff's rumoured early departure be what Ulster needs? π Full story below. https://t.co/CbaOqcIUvf
Ulster Rugby: Steven Kitshoff exit talk won't distract players - Iain Henderson https://t.co/INsAtRg37C
"Kitshoff to the Stormers would open up a non-Irish qualified spot" "I would love to see AJ MacGinty come back to Irish rugby" "He'd be amazing for them" @bernardjackman wants to see Ulster sign the former Connacht out-half π Get the full podcast β¬οΈ https://t.co/GmRR4D4ymi https://t.co/sfZtrSiR5O
A return to the Stormers could be on the cards for Steven Kitshoff π https://t.co/TlgiUICffM