WATCH: Ulster's brilliant video announcing the signing of Rugby World Cup winner
- 2030
It's official, Ulster have announced the signing of Rugby World Cup-winning prop Steven Kitshoff from the Stormers.
Kitshoff has signed a three-year-old with the Irish Province and will join the side following the Rugby World Cup in France next year.
A world-class signing was accompanied by a world-class video from the Ulster social media team.
Kitshoff's move to Ulster has been widely reported by the media in recent months and Ulster brought into that when announcing the signing with the caption ' the worst-kept secret in rugby...' referencing other player transfers that haven't been kept secret.
The worst-kept secret in rugby... pic.twitter.com/q3baFAA8l1
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) November 9, 2022
The 30-year-old has made 73 appearances for his country, will make Ulster his home until at least the summer of 2026 following his involvement in the upcoming Rugby World Cup, in which he will be looking to repeat the winning ways of the last campaign.
On the news, Ulster Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said:
“We are excited that a player of Steven’s quality has chosen to be part of the journey we are on as a club. As one of the best players in his position in the game right now, he will bring a world-class edge to our front row which will benefit our squad now, and in the development of our younger players as they come through the Ulster system.
“His set piece excellence and the physical edge to his play will, together with his winning mindset, be a real asset to us when he joins us next season, and we look forward to welcoming him to the province.”
Ahead of joining Ulster, Kitshoff, added:
“It’s clear that Ulster is on an exciting journey, and it’s one that I want to be a part of. With some big wins recently, it’s my ambition to be part of the squad that takes that next step and secures silverware for the province.
“I’m really looking forward to making the move to Belfast next year. It’s going to be a change, but I know, from everything I’ve heard, that when I line out for the first time in front of a home crowd at Kingspan Stadium in an Ulster jersey, it’s going to be a really special moment.”
Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that Kitshoff will leave at the end of the season a legend.
"Steven has been an incredibly loyal servant of DHL Stormers rugby over the years and he will leave at the end of the season to take up what is a life-changing offer with our gratitude and well-wishes.
"He is a true DHL Stormers man who will always call Cape Town home and we are hopeful that we will see him back here in our colours one day once his contract in Ireland is up.
"Of course, we still have the rest of this season with him and knowing him like I do, I have no question that he will be giving everything for the cause, as he always has," he said.
Kitshoff said that he wants to enjoy the time he has left at home in Cape Town with his teammates and create more special memories.
"Growing up in Cape Town, playing for the DHL Stormers was always a dream that I was lucky enough to live.
"We still have quite a way to go this season and I am very excited about what we can achieve together.
"I want to make this campaign a memorable one before I move on and begin the next chapter in my career," he said.
