After spending just one season in Ulster, Steven Kitshoff will return to the Stormers before the 2024–2025 campaign.

The loosehead prop who has won two Rugby World Cups is back in Cape Town after he and Ulster decided to leave early.

Kitshoff played 134 games for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship and Super Rugby over his two prior stays with the team.

Mutually departure accepted

After South Africa’s victory in the Rugby World Cup in 2023, the seasoned prop signed a three-year contract with Ulster.

However, the two sides have “mutually agreed” to an early termination of his contract due to financial issues and a change in the CEO and head coach.

I have really enjoyed wearing the Ulster shirt since coming to Belfast, and it has been an honor to be a part of such an amazing group of players and support staff, Kitshoff stated in an Ulster statement.

I’m thankful to the supporters who welcomed me to what is clearly a very special club and province. Ulster will always hold a special place in my heart.

The 32-year-old has committed to the Stormers for two years, helping them win the URC championship in 2022.

Ulster feels that the departure of Springboks prop Steven Kitshoff “makes sense.”

Director of rugby John Dobson stated, “Steven is a DHL Stormers legend and brings so much to our environment beyond his immense value on the pitch.”

The fact that he is eager to return and get started as we begin an exciting new chapter here in Cape Town gives us great hope.

We have always wanted him back, and I’m overjoyed that we have been able to do it so rapidly thanks to the support of his new owners.

We are excited to have him back in the blue and white for the upcoming season as he is a proud graduate of our program.

“Ireland has been the best team in the world,” as stated by the Springboks coaches.

Kitshoff’s return to Cape Town is feasible thanks to the Red Disa Consortium’s recent investment in the Stormers, and the front-rower intends to finish his career at the team he grew up cheering for.

It goes without saying that I love Cape Town and the DHL Stormers squad, so being able to go home is very exciting,” he said.

“I want to express my gratitude to Ulster for a wonderful time in Belfast and for their patience during the entire process. This season, we still have a lot of work ahead of us.

I’ll be doing everything in my power to benefit the DHL Stormers starting in the upcoming season, and I want to join my friends and family in something truly remarkable once more.

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