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The re-signing of loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff by the DHL Stormers alerts the intent of their new homeowners to spend money on the success of the workforce, writes MARK KEOHANE.
On Friday, the Stormers confirmed that the Vodacom URC-winning captain will return to Cape Town next season after being granted an early launch from his three-year contract with Irish province Ulster.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane emphasises the importance of the 32-year-old’s return due to the fairness deal between the Stormers and the Pink Disa Consortium, and compares Kitshoff’s comeback to the retention of fellow Springbok Damian Willemse.
He credit Stormers director of rugby John Dobson for his position in unearthing elite expertise whereas highlighting the reunion of Kitshoff and fellow double world champion Frans Malherbe as one in all rugby’s most formidable front-row duos.
Keohane acknowledges the financial local weather of the game however notes a development of big-name South African professionals returning to play domestically, citing examples from the Vodacom Bulls and Sharks.
KEO: SA fans should be queuing for Euro clashes
Guess who’s again? The Spicy Plum can be within the blue and white as soon as once more from subsequent season. #iamastormer #dhldelivers #kitsiesback pic.twitter.com/940dePTAse
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) April 5, 2024
“The brand new homeowners of the Stormers made essentially the most emphatic assertion on Friday night that there’s a new ‘Rugby Sheriff’ in Cape City – and this Sheriff means enterprise,” he writes.
“They’ve introduced again one of many largest names in Stormers historical past … [and] the ‘Spicy Plum’, who began for Ulster within the URC in opposition to the Stormers in Cape City per week in the past, won’t ever once more need to prop down in opposition to his rugby soulmates in a aggressive match.
“Dobson has executed an unbelievable job of manufacturing Springboks, however he was insistent a 12 months in the past, when Kitshoff’s departure was introduced, that the influential entrance rower would at all times be welcomed again.
“Dobson went on document to say that it was not a case of ‘if Kitsie returns’ however slightly ‘when Kitsie returns’. The return has been fast, and it’s due to the brand new possession.”
Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
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