{
  "id": 10366465,
  "title": "Steven Kitshoff: Rugby’s quiet game‑changer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/steven-kitshoff-rugbys-quiet-game-changer",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-28T04:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/special-features/steven-kitshoff-rugbys-quiet-game-changer/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Steven Kitshoff, a former Springbok prop and member of the Bomb Squad, shared his experiences in South African rugby in his new memoir, Kitsie, co-authored with Michael Vlismas. Kitshoff, known for his soft-spoken demeanor and humility, spoke about the transformative impact that coach Rassie Erasmus had on the team during their darkest days in the early 2010s. Kitshoff recalled the team's struggle with poor performances, lack of money, and declining confidence as some of the most challenging years in Springbok rugby history. Erasmus' arrival marked the beginning of a gradual and strategic turnaround, emphasizing small improvements in training habits, conditioning, and team dynamics. As the team's belief in each other grew, so did their confidence, culminating in a successful World Cup campaign in 2019. The Bomb Squad, a group of eight bench players, became a game-changer, disrupting the traditional starting lineup and injecting momentum into matches. Kitshoff, one of the original Bomb Squad members, described their role as bringing rhythm, stopping momentum, and executing unique tasks during games. The memoir is not a typical sports autobiography; it is a reflection on Kitshoff's life, lessons learned, and the transition from professional rugby to life after retirement. Kitshoff, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, now focuses on broadcasting, corporate talks, podcasting, and running a business. He cherishes his time in the dressing room, working towards a common goal, but is glad to have moved beyond the physical demands of the game.",
  "summary": "Soft‑spoken ex-Bok recalls how small habits sparked revival",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}