That kept the 28-year-old out of action for the entire campaign but he is now back in full training and raring to go when the new season kicks off - starting with the Ospreys' trip to Ulster on September 4.
"I've been here a while now but I haven't been able to show the guys what I'm all about yet," Steenkamp told the club website.
"I want to play my part for the Ospreys, and I want to reward the coaches for the faith they've shown in me.
"It's really tough, when you come to a new country and into a new squad for the first time, with the season already underway, so to get injured before even playing a game, that makes it really difficult.
"I was fit for the last few weeks, but when you look at it, the Connacht game and the Munster game, they were big matches.
"I would have loved to play but I understand the reason why the coaches thought it was best to save me for pre-season and for this year.
"I've been a long time without rugby and I wouldn't have been ready but now, with a full pre-season under my belt, hopefully I can start to make up for lost time.
"Everything is under my control now. The medics have got me to where I am and if I stay fit then there are no excuses for me now. I have to play and I have to play well for the team."
And Steenkamp believes there is plenty to be excited about this season, after the Ospreys narrowly missed out on a place in the GUINNESS PRO12 final last time around.
"It's clear the pride that people have in the jersey," he added. "That rubs off on anyone in the environment. It's a good culture.
"I like the way we defend. Our defence is very good and I think that shows what it means to the team, how people care about each other.
"We play a good brand of attacking rugby as well. I don't think it's a typical northern hemisphere slow style of rugby. It's exciting rugby."
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