• Double World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff had successful neck fusion surgery and is optimistic about recovery despite the career-threatening injury.

• The Stormers get a boost as two Springboks return for the Sharks clash while several other players are nearly fully fit.

Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff says his neck surgery was successful and has dismissed fears that his career might be over.

The double World Cup winner underwent surgery to fuse vertebrae in his neck using bone from his hip. He has been out since September with what was described as a career-threatening injury.

“The operation was a big success,” Kitshoff wrote on Instagram. “To all my family, friends, and loyal supporters — your support means the world to me! It’s going to be a long recovery journey, but I’m excited for the future ahead.”

Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman says it is too early to discuss the 32-year-old’s return.

“We haven’t spoken to the specialist or received any feedback from his doctors. The first thing is that we want him to recover, and we’ll take it from there,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, the Stormers welcome back Springboks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Ben-Jason Dixon for Saturday’s game against the Sharks in Durban, scheduled for 5pm.

Pictured above: Steven Kitshoff after his surgery.

Source: Steven Kitshoff/Instagram