Steven Kitshoff, born on February 10, 1992, is a South African rugby union player known for his position as a loosehead prop. He represents the South Africa national team and captains the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.
He has previously played for Bordeaux in the French Top 14 and Western Province in the Currie Cup. Kithsoff is named in the South Africa Springboks squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
You can follow Steven Kitshoff’s net worth, salary, career earnings, stats, wife, and more here.
Steven Kitshoff’s Biography
| Full name | Steven Kitshoff |
| Nickname | Ginger Ninja |
| Date of birth | February 10, 1992 |
| Place of birth | Somerset West, South Africa |
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 1⁄2 in) |
| Weight | 125 kg (19 st 10 lb; 276 lb) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Current Net Worth | 2 million USD |
| Relationship Status | Married to Aimee |
| Instagram Profile | @steven_kitshoff |
Club Career
Steven Kitshoff’s club career was marked by remarkable achievements and resilience, spanning over a decade across multiple teams and leagues. He began his professional journey with the DHL Stormers in 2011 as an 18-year-old, requiring special permission to train with the senior squad due to his age.
Kitshoff quickly established himself as a dominant loosehead prop, contributing significantly to the Stormers and Western Province teams. In 2012, he became a regular starter and played a pivotal role in Western Province’s Currie Cup victory against the Sharks in Durban.
After solid performances in Super Rugby and domestic competitions, Kitshoff faced a setback in 2014 due to a season-ending injury during the Super Rugby campaign. Despite this, he remained a key figure in South African rugby. In 2015, he joined Bordeaux-Bègles in France’s Top 14 league, where he honed his skills over two seasons before returning to Cape Town in 2017 to rejoin the Stormers.
Kitshoff’s second stint with the Stormers was particularly impactful. He was named captain in 2021 and led the team to victory in the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) in 2022—a highlight of his career.
Under his leadership, the Stormers reached another URC final in 2023 before Kitshoff signed with Ulster for the 2023–24 season. Despite his brief time at Ulster, he returned to Cape Town with plans to finish his career at the Stormers.
Throughout his club career, Kitshoff amassed an impressive record: 138 caps for the Stormers, making him one of their most-capped players; 44 appearances for Western Province; and 34 matches for Bordeaux. His leadership and skill at scrum time earned him accolades and recognition as one of South Africa’s finest props.
Unfortunately, Kitshoff’s career was cut short after sustaining a serious neck injury during a Currie Cup match in 2024. Following surgery and extensive rehabilitation, he retired from professional rugby in February 2025.
Professional Career
Steven Kitshoff’s professional rugby career was defined by consistency, leadership, and remarkable achievements. He debuted for the Stormers in 2011 as an 18-year-old, making five substitute appearances in Super Rugby and five more for Western Province in the Currie Cup.
By 2012, Kitshoff had cemented his place as a first-choice loosehead prop, helping Western Province claim the Currie Cup title that year. His strong performances continued into 2013, where he was instrumental in leading Western Province to another Currie Cup final.
However, his momentum was briefly halted in 2014 due to a season-ending injury during Super Rugby, which sidelined him from Western Province’s Currie Cup triumph later that year.
In 2015, Kitshoff moved to France to join Bordeaux-Bègles in the Top 14 league, where he spent two seasons refining his skills against some of the world’s best forwards. He returned to South Africa in 2017 to rejoin the Stormers and Western Province.
His second stint with the Stormers was particularly impactful; he was named team captain in 2021 and led them to victory in the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) in 2022, marking the franchise’s first international club trophy. Kitshoff also guided the Stormers to a second consecutive URC final in 2023 before signing with Irish side Ulster for the 2023–24 season.
Kitshoff’s career took a tragic turn in September 2024 when he sustained a severe neck injury during a Currie Cup match for Western Province. Despite undergoing neck fusion surgery and extensive rehabilitation, he was advised against returning to professional rugby due to the high risk of further injury.
On February 25, 2025, at age 33, Kitshoff announced his retirement from rugby. Over his illustrious career, he earned 138 caps for the Stormers, played for Bordeaux and Ulster, and represented South Africa in 83 Test matches.
Wife
Steven Kitshoff is married to Aimee Kitshoff, a public relations specialist and co-owner of a luxury travel company. The couple tied the knot in 2019 and have been celebrated as one of South African rugby’s favorite partnerships. Aimee has been a steadfast supporter of Steven throughout his career, often cheering him on from the sidelines during pivotal moments, including his Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.
Aimee’s unwavering encouragement was particularly evident during Steven’s retirement in February 2025, following a career-ending neck injury. She penned a heartfelt message praising his dedication, passion, and achievements while emphasizing her pride in his character beyond rugby. Aimee described Steven as kind, strong, and inspiring, expressing excitement for the new chapter in their lives together.
As a couple, Steven and Aimee share a love for outdoor activities and travel. They enjoy exploring new places, engaging in sports like golf and wakeboarding, and supporting causes such as animal welfare. Their partnership has been described as a source of strength for Steven, with Aimee playing an integral role in his life both on and off the field.
Steven Kitshoff’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Steven Kitshoff’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million. The Springboks loosehead prop’s prime source of earnings is his South Africa rugby union salary, club salaries, and sponsorship deals.
Salary
Steven Kitshoff’s salary during his tenure with Ulster in the 2023–24 season was significantly higher than what the Stormers could offer. Reports indicate that the Stormers’ offer was around R9 million per year (approximately $475,000), but Kitshoff’s deal with Ulster increased his earnings by approximately 50%, suggesting his annual salary at Ulster was in the range of R13.5 million (around $710,000).
This substantial increase reflects his status as one of the top loosehead props in world rugby and his value to both club and international teams. His income also included earnings from the South Africa Rugby Union and sponsorship deals.
Career Earnings
| Period | Team/Source | Estimated Annual Salary | Total Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2015 | Stormers/Western Province | $200,000 | $800,000 |
| 2015–2017 | Bordeaux (Top 14) | $400,000 | $800,000 |
| 2017–2023 | Stormers/Western Province | $475,000 | $2,850,000 |
| 2023–2024 | Ulster (URC) | $710,000 | $710,000 |
| National Team | South Africa (Springboks) | Varies with bonuses | ~$1,500,000 |
| Endorsements | Sponsorships | Varies | ~$500,000 |
| Career Total | ~$7.16 million |
Career Stats
Club Career Statistics
| Team | Competition | Years | Games Played | Starts | Substitute Appearances | Tries Scored | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormers | Super Rugby | 2011–2015, 2017–2020 | 98 | 84 | 14 | 3 | 6,184 |
| Bordeaux-Bègles | Top 14 | 2015–2017 | 27 | 13 | 14 | 2 | ~1,112 |
| Stormers (Captain) | United Rugby Championship | 2021–2023 | 41 | 40 | 1 | 1 | ~2,100 |
| Ulster | URC/European Competitions | 2023–2024 | 14 | 11 | 3 | 0 | ~752 |
International Career Statistics
| Team | Competition | Years Active | Games Played | Starts | Substitute Appearances | Tries Scored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa (Springboks) | Test Matches | 2016–2023 | 83 | ~40 | ~43 | ~2 |
| South Africa | Rugby World Cup | 2019, 2023 | 14 | ~5 | ~9 | ~0 |
Notable Achievements
- Captained the Stormers to their first United Rugby Championship title in the inaugural season (2022).
- Won two Rugby World Cups with South Africa (2019, 2023).
- Currie Cup winner with Western Province (2012).
FAQs
1. What are Steven Kitshoff’s career highlights?
Steven Kitshoff’s career highlights include winning two Rugby World Cups (2019, 2023), leading the Stormers to their first United Rugby Championship title in 2022, and securing victories in the British & Irish Lions Series (2021) and the Rugby Championship (2019). He also won the Currie Cup with Western Province in 2012.
2. Why did Steven Kitshoff retire from rugby?
Steven Kitshoff retired in February 2025 due to a severe neck injury sustained during a Currie Cup match in 2024. Medical specialists advised him against returning to play as the injury posed significant risks to his health. Despite extensive rehabilitation, his reduced neck rotation made further participation unsafe.
3. How many Test matches did Steven Kitshoff play for South Africa?
Steven Kitshoff played 83 Test matches for South Africa between 2016 and 2023. He was a key player in the Springboks’ front row, contributing to their success in two Rugby World Cups and other international competitions.
4. What teams did Steven Kitshoff play for during his club career?
Steven Kitshoff played for the Stormers and Western Province in South Africa, Bordeaux-Bègles in France’s Top 14 league, and Ulster in Ireland’s United Rugby Championship. He earned 138 caps with the Stormers, making him one of their most-capped players.
5. What business ventures is Steven Kitshoff involved in post-retirement?
Post-retirement, Steven Kitshoff co-founded “Bomb Squad,” a beer company with fellow Springbok Malcolm Marx. He is also involved in a micro-financing business with his brother and plans to stay connected to rugby through consulting, mentoring, or broadcasting.
6. Who is Steven Kitshoff’s wife?
Steven Kitshoff is married to Aimee Kitshoff, a public relations specialist. The couple wed in 2019 and are known for their strong partnership. Aimee has been a supportive presence throughout his rugby career, often cheering him on during major tournaments.
7. What was Steven Kitshoff’s salary at Ulster?
During his time at Ulster (2023–24), Steven Kitshoff earned approximately R13.5 million per year ($710,000). This was significantly higher than the R9 million per year offered by the Stormers before his move to Ireland.
8. How did Steven Kitshoff contribute to South Africa’s Rugby World Cup wins?
Steven Kitshoff played a crucial role as part of South Africa’s “Bomb Squad” strategy during their Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023. His scrummaging power and impact off the bench were instrumental in dominating opponents during critical moments.
9. What injuries led to Steven Kitshoff’s retirement?
Steven Kitshoff’s retirement was prompted by a neck injury sustained during a Currie Cup match in September 2024. The injury involved vertebrae near his brain canal, posing life-threatening risks if he continued playing. Surgery stabilized his condition but left him unable to resume professional rugby.
10. What legacy does Steven Kitshoff leave behind?
Steven Kitshoff leaves behind a legacy as one of South Africa’s greatest loosehead props, celebrated for his leadership, technical skill, and resilience. His achievements include two Rugby World Cup titles, multiple domestic championships, and inspiring performances that earned him respect worldwide.
