Ex-SA Under-18 rugby star Luqobo Makwedini dies after training session in France

Ex-SA Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini collapsed and died following a training session with French club AS Béziers Hérault on Friday.

The 20-year-old front ranker, affectionately known as Bibo, fell ill at the end of the morning session at the Stade de la Gayonne and was rushed to hospital, where he died a few hours later.

French reports said he was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest, though the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed.

Makwedini, a product of Wynberg Boys’ High in Cape Town, had joined the Béziers academy ahead of the 2025/26 season and was regarded by the club as one of its brightest young prospects.

He had been earmarked for promotion to the senior squad for the coming Pro D2 campaign, which kicks off in a matter of weeks, but never got to make his first team debut.

The club, whose president is former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad, announced his death in a statement on Friday night.

“Luqobo joined our training centre during the off-season and quickly became a valued member of the Red and Blue family,” Skinstad said in the statement.

“His commitment, kindness, and personal qualities deeply impressed everyone at the club.”

Skinstad said the club was in mourning.

“Today, the entire Red and Blue family is united in mourning and deeply shaken by this heartbreaking loss,” he said.

“We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his family, loved ones, teammates, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”

The club asked for privacy for the player’s loved ones and teammates.

“We respectfully request that the club, our players, and Bibo’s loved ones be given the time and privacy they need to grieve during this extremely difficult period,” Skinstad said.

Tributes followed from across French rugby within hours of the announcement.

The French professional rugby players’ union Provale offered its support to the club and Makwedini’s family and loved ones during what it described as an incredibly difficult time.

The Béziers supporters’ association Rugbiterre extended condolences to his family and teammates, as well as to club official Saul Loggenberg, who is reported to have been a guardian figure to the young South African in France.

The 1.76m, 119kg tighthead made his name in the Wynberg front row, where his performances earned him SA Under-18 honours.

In Wynberg’s 35-8 win over Bishops in 2024, his footwork set up the final try as the school maintained its unbeaten record.

He moved to France last year after Béziers signed him into its academy.

The club’s 2026/27 Pro D2 season begins in the coming weeks.

IOL