SOUTH AFRICAN star Steven Kitshoff is looking at a return to his native country this summer, according to reports.
Kitshoff joined Ulster last summer on a three-year deal after leaving the Stormers but could already be heading straight back.
Afrikaans newspaper Rapport reported over the weekend that Kitshoff had met up with Stormers coach John Dobson at a restaurant in Cape Town.
Despite only being in Belfast less than a year, the possibility of an early return was reportedly discussed and the side’s new investment from equity partner Red Disa could play a big part.
The Stormers are hoping that the SARU will help finance part of the deal to get Kitshoff out of his Ulster contract.
Ulster were in Cape Town to take on the South African side and they fell to a narrow 13-7 defeat.
Kitshoff was captain of his former side when they on the inaugural URC season back in 2022.
He has made 12 appearances for Ulster since joining last summer and made his debut just after collecting his second World Cup winners medal with South Africa.
The prop played a big part in the campaign and has earned 83 caps for the Springboks in total.
Kitshoff looks set to be the next part of a mass exodus at Ulster after head coach Dan McFarland left his role earlier this year.
McFarland had been Ulster’s longest-serving boss during their professional era, after joining in 2018.
This was recently followed by the departure of CEO Jonny Petrie after he ended his five-year stint ‘with immediate effect’.
Kevin Potts, CEO of the IRFU, said: “The IRFU and Ulster Rugby thank Jonny for the five years spent with Ulster Rugby and wish him well, both personally and professionally, for the future.
“An interim CEO will be appointed in due course while a recruitment process is undertaken.”
Petrie was appointed in 2019, following a spell as Managing Director at Edinburgh.
Ulster reached the Pro-14 final during his time at the province but lost 27-5 to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
The exits haven’t stopped there as out-half Billy Burns is also confirmed to be joining Munster for the 2024/25 campaign.
Burns has made 107 appearances for the province since joining from Gloucester in 2018.
It’s likely the Burns will come in as competition for Jack Crowley with Joey Carbery set to leave the Munster this summer for France.
Burns made his Ireland debut against Wales in 2020, and has gone on to earn seven caps for his country.