Ulster captain Iain Henderson believes the province will still see the best of Steven Kitshoff despite his uncertain future.
Kitshoff only arrived last November, weeks after winning the Rugby World Cup for a second time with South Africa.
It has been reported the 32-year-old could return to the Stormers this summer after only one season at Kingspan Stadium.
“I know he’s an ultra professional,” said Henderson.
“We’ll be expecting nothing different from him working through this week and looking forward to an exciting game at the weekend,” added Ulster captain Henderson.
Defeat against his former side in Cape Town last weekend was just Kitshoff’s 12th game in Ulster colours, of which the side have won four and lost eight.
Despite the mixed results, Henderson believes the prop has been an asset since his arrival only five months ago.
“He’s been brilliant for us,” said Henderson. “He’s been brilliant for a lot of young lads in that scrum environment, around the park.
“He’s been filling the boots that he’s put on the international field before.
“We’ve seen him getting over a load of good balls, carrying well, being unbelievable in his chop tackle and defence.”
Amid such uncertainty, Henderson does not see talk of Kitshoff’s exit being a distraction before the resumption of European action this weekend.P
