South Africans have come together to honour two-time World Cup champion Steven Kitshoff, who announced his retirement this week; Castle Lager joined in, teasing what a Spicy Plum x Castle match-up would look like!
South Africa (26 February 2025) – Any retirement can come with a heavy heart; leaving behind a lifetime of hard work is tough at any age. For Steven “Spicy Plum” Kitshoff, retirement has come early after multiple injuries that have meant he has to stop playing his beloved rugby. South Africans have united behind the rugby star, sending in words of support, messages of thanks for all he has accomplished for South Africa and even a major personal highlight, naming a beer after him!
Kitshoff started his career at the age of 18, called up to join the DHL Stormers, where he had to get special permission to train with the senior squad. His prowess catapulted him to quickly becoming a fan favourite and not long after, the call from the Springboks came. Kitshoff earned his first Springbok cap in 2016 and went on to earn two Rugby World Cup titles with the team.
He earned a total of 138 caps with the DHL Stormers and 83 caps with the Springboks. During this time, Kitshoff faced a few injuries but always bounced back after treatment and rehabilitation. This time, however, injury to his neck meant taking a big step back.
He sustained a neck injury during a match in Kimberly in 2024. Initially, conservative therapy was employed, but the decision was taken to have stabilising surgery. This meant a longer recovery, but after extensive rehabilitation, he experienced a reduction of rotation of his neck. A specialist neurosurgeon made the call that the risk of any more injury was just too high, and the best course would be to retire.
Kitshoff’s retirement at the prime of his career was a major blow to the athlete, and fans felt equally disappointed for him. But he is putting his health first and has set his sights on the future. He shared his heartfelt thanks to fans and supporters in a statement with the DHL Stormers.
“As much as I will miss playing and the special feeling of running out to represent something much bigger than myself, I am also looking forward to an exciting new chapter in my life.”
“I walk away from my playing days with so many incredible memories that I will cherish forever,” – Steven Kitshoff
Castle Lager has been a sponsor of the Springboks since 1996. To honour Kitshoff, aka the Spicy Plum, and his 83 caps for the Boks, they conceptualised a beer in honour of the loosehead prop. Imagine crisp hops with a touch of heat and an oh-so-sweet tang to round it off. What do you think? Would you buy this beer? Fans are loving the idea.
Are you ready to toast to South Africa’s Spicy Plum? If you do, you could find a six-pack of Castle Lager in your inbox. You can join the conversation on X and Instagram.
Today, we raise INQAAABA to Spicy Plum as he retires from the @Springboks and takes his Kit’s Off for good! 😉🏉
To honor @StevenKitshoff‘s 83 caps, we’re dropping 83 six-packs. 🍻
Want in? Comment with 🇿🇦 using #CastleLager, and you might just find Castles in your DMs! pic.twitter.com/Y8ZlRUXvTo
— Castle Lager SA (@CastleLagerSA) February 25, 2025
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