From Springbok Star to Entrepreneur: Steven Kitshoff’s Surprising Life After Rugby
- Steven Kitshoff has entered a new chapter after rugby, with several business interests now keeping the former Springbok busy
- The two-time World Cup winner has expanded his work beyond the rugby field, with one venture growing into a wider brand
- Kitshoff has also opened up about the concerns that followed his retirement and the steps he took to prepare for life afterwards
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Steven Kitshoff’s rugby career ended abruptly after a serious neck injury, but the former Springbok prop has since built a busy life away from the field, combining business, broadcasting, public speaking and writing.
The 33-year-old announced his retirement in February 2025 after specialist medical advice following the injury sustained during a Currie Cup match in 2024. Kitshoff finished his Test career with 83 caps and two Rugby World Cup titles.
Steven Kitshoff’s Bomb Squad business expands
One of Kitshoff’s most visible ventures is Bomb Squad, the brand he established with fellow Springbok Malcolm Marx. What began with Bomb Squad Lager has developed into a broader commercial venture, with products extending into food and merchandise.
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Pick n Pay has also promoted Kitshoff’s Bomb Squad products, including beer, boerewors and marinade. The partnership has also entered golf through BooYaa Golf. A 2026 collection features Bomb Squad-branded shirts and caps linked to Kitshoff and Marx.
Source: Getty Images
Life after rugby brings new opportunities
Kitshoff has also moved into broadcasting and public speaking, while the Sunday Times reported on 27 September 2026 that he is involved in a micro-lending business serving salaried workers.
Speaking about retirement fears, Kitshoff said:
“You hear horror stories of guys retiring and ending up with nothing or losing all their money, and it was a real fear.”
He added:
“It was like proper sleepless nights, thinking: ‘How do I look after my family? How do I look after my parents?’ We all know rugby is a very short-term career.”
Steven Kitshoff opens up in new memoir
Kitshoff has now documented his journey in Kitsie: Memoir of a Bomb-Squad Bok, published in 2026. The memoir covers his rugby career, forced retirement and life beyond the sport.
Reflecting on his transition, Kitshoff told the Sunday Times:
“I’m actually sleeping better now that I’m out of rugby because I know what my future is looking like.”
His post-rugby career therefore includes several strands — from business and golf apparel to broadcasting, speaking and publishing — as he continues building a life beyond professional rugby.
Canan Moodie’s R218,000 Breitling watch grabs attention
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok star Canan Moodie added a luxury touch to his off-field profile through his partnership with Breitling.
The Bulls back chose a striking timepiece with a connection to his rugby team. The watch carries a sizeable price tag and comes with features befitting its premium status.
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Source: Briefly News
