RIP | Ex-SA Under-18 rugby star dies after training in France aged 20
· The South African
Former South African Under-18 prop Luqobo ‘Bibo’ Makwedini has died at the age of 20 after collapsing following a training session with French club AS Béziers Hérault.
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The promising tighthead prop fell ill at the end of Friday morning’s training session at the Stade de la Gayonne and was rushed to hospital, where he died a few hours later.
French media reports said Makwedini is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest, although the exact cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed.
Rising star of South African rugby
A product of Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town, Makwedini established himself as one of South Africa’s brightest young front-row prospects.
Standing 1.76m tall and weighing 119kg, the powerful prop earned SA Under-18 honours after impressing at school level, where he became known for his mobility and scrummaging ability.
One of his standout performances came in Wynberg’s 35-8 victory over Bishops in 2024, when his footwork helped create the final try as the school preserved its unbeaten record.
Makwedini moved to France last year after joining the Béziers academy ahead of the 2025/26 season.
He had reportedly been earmarked for promotion to the senior squad for the upcoming Pro D2 campaign but never got the opportunity to make his first-team debut.
Bob Skinstad leads tributes
Béziers, whose president is former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad, confirmed the devastating news in a statement on Friday evening.
“Luqobo joined our training centre during the off-season and quickly became a valued member of the Red and Blue family,” Skinstad said.
“His commitment, kindness, and personal qualities deeply impressed everyone at the club.”
Skinstad said the entire club had been left heartbroken by the tragedy.
“Today, the entire Red and Blue family is united in mourning and deeply shaken by this heartbreaking loss.”
He extended condolences to Makwedini’s family, friends and team-mates while asking that their privacy be respected during an incredibly difficult time.
🖤🕊🙏✨𝗟’𝗔𝗦 𝗕𝗲́𝘇𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗛𝗲́𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝘂𝗶𝗹
— ASBH Officiel (@ASBHOfficiel) July 10, 2026
C’est avec une profonde tristesse et le cœur lourd que nous annonçons le décès de notre jeune joueur, 𝗟𝘂𝗾𝗼𝗯𝗼 (𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗼) 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝘄𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗶, à l’âge de 20 ans.
Le communiqué : https://t.co/5POgntZBXV pic.twitter.com/ctyWmJSBtF
Rugby community pays tribute
Tributes poured in from across the French rugby community following the announcement.
The French professional rugby players’ union Provale expressed its support for Makwedini’s family and the Béziers club, while supporters’ group Rugbiterre also offered condolences.
The supporters’ association paid tribute not only to Makwedini but also to club official Saul Loggenberg, who reportedly acted as a guardian and mentor to the young South African after his move to France.
Makwedini’s death has sent shockwaves through South African rugby, where he was widely regarded as a player with enormous potential and a bright future in the professional game.
Béziers’ 2026/27 Pro D2 season is due to begin in the coming weeks, but the club will first mourn the loss of one of its most promising young talents.