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Bok prop Steven Kitshoff to join Ulster - report
By Ian Cameron
Fresh after securing the signature of British & Irish Lions prop Rory Sutherland, it is being reported that World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff is set to join the Irish province.
Ulster hinted at the move in a statement on Saturday, but pulled up short of naming Kitshoff as the player in question, stating: "Negotiations are at an advanced phase with a player that is a proven winner on the biggest stage, who will join the province next season on a three-year deal following Rugby World Cup 2023."
Now respected rugby sage Gerry Thornley, writing in The Irish Times, has confirmed that the Springbok loosehead is the prop in question.
While Sutherland's debut for Ulster is imminent, Kitshoff won't roll into the Ravenhill until after the Rugby World Cup in France next year.
A powerful scrummager, Kitshoff (6', 120kg) has been a mainstay of the Springboks’ pack for years and has amassed over 50 caps for the World Champions. He played over 60 games of the Stormers and has enjoyed a stint at Bordeaux Begles in the Top 14.
One thing is clear, post-France 2023, the competition at loosehead could be fierce, at least if the Worcester evacuee Sutherland stays for more than a short-term deal.
Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said of the two massive signings: “We have an exciting stable of young Irish-qualified props at Ulster, so to be able to support their development alongside some world class operators is great news for everyone associated with Ulster and Irish rugby.
“As a club that is intent on consistently competing for championships, we’re always looking to add to and improve our squad - this includes recruiting players to be a part of the Ulster Rugby family, but most importantly to support and drive the development of young players within our pathway.
“We look forward to welcoming Rory into the squad next week and making further announcements on our recruitment for next season very soon.”
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Latest Comments
Agreed. Borthwick will have to write a new excuse book soon .
I have looked at the two world cup final teams from 2003 and 2020.
2003 team scored 187 tries between them in 389 caps
2020 team scored 113 tries between them in 473 caps. As you can see a huge disparity in scoring rate. Only Johnny May with 36 tries in 78 caps scored a higher amount of tries. Elliot Daly comes close but the rest are frankly very poor.
Farrell and Ford scored a pathetic 20 tries between them in a combined 210 caps.
There again , the 2003 team did have Wilko and Greenwood etc whereas 2020 team had Ford and Farrell .
So much people saying that Fords strength is of bringing others into the game .
Really. The figures totally disprove that notion .
It has been mentioned elsewhere that we have accepted mediocrity far too often and the figures would indicate that players are or have been picked far too often without performing .
Go to commentsNot disputing that NZ are ahead of Eng. Also not saying Eng are unlucky (though clearly the tone of the article is not that the ABs were unlucky but that they 'should have' won). Your team are looking great and are on the up. I just felt that Pundits have argued Eng 'should have' won the first test against the ABs, when it's more nuanced than that, and very fine margins determine results that Eng didn't get right. Same applies, therefore, to NZ and other nations. Ben Smith though doesn't seem to see it that way. To be clear: I'm not saying I agree with the 'should haves', but more that I take issue with the phrasing.
Good to see your respect for other nations is so strong! Proper rugby fan you are!!!
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