Rugby Prospect Luqobo Makwedini Dies at 20 After Training Collapse in France

South African rugby prop Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini has died at 20 after collapsing during a training session with French Pro D2 club AS Béziers Hérault.

He fell ill at the end of Friday morning’s session and was rushed to hospital, where he died a few hours later. The former SA Under-18 forward had only just joined the club’s senior setup ahead of the new season.

Makwedini’s family says they believe he suffered a cardiac arrest, but the official cause of death hasn’t been confirmed. According to News24’s report on his death, French reports point to cardiac arrest as well, though that hasn’t been formally established either.

His uncle, Mphumzi Zuzile, told local media the family is working with the club to repatriate his body and asked for space to grieve privately, a request the club has also made on the family’s behalf.

From Wynberg to the Béziers academy

Born in Komga in the Eastern Cape, Makwedini made his name at Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town before earning a place in South Africa’s Under-18 side. He joined AS Béziers Hérault’s academy ahead of the 2025/26 season and had been earmarked for promotion into the senior Pro D2 squad this coming campaign.

Club president and former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad confirmed his death in a statement, describing Makwedini as someone who’d already become “a cherished member of the Red and Blue family” through his commitment and character.