Body of SA Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini returns home to South Africa
· The South African
The body of promising South African rugby player Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini has returned home following his tragic death in France after collapsing during a training session with French club AS Béziers Hérault.
The 20-year-old’s body arrived in the Eastern Cape and has been taken to a funeral parlour in Quigney, KuGompo City, where it will remain while funeral arrangements are finalised.
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BREAKING NEWS | The body of 20-year-old rugby player Luqobo Makwedini, who died after collapsing following a training session in France, has arrived in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/Gp1vTUXYjp
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 26, 2026
Rising star’s career cut short
Makwedini, a former South African Under-18 tighthead prop, had recently embarked on a professional career in France after signing a three-year contract with Béziers.
The former Wynberg Boys’ High School standout collapsed after a morning training session at the Stade de la Gayonne and was rushed to hospital, where he died a few hours later.
While early reports indicated he had suffered heatstroke, French media have since reported that he is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
The exact cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed.
A bright future ahead
Standing 1.76m tall and weighing 119kg, Makwedini was regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest young front-row prospects.
He earned SA Under-18 honours after impressing for Wynberg Boys’ High School, where he built a reputation for his powerful scrummaging and surprising mobility around the field.
After joining the Béziers academy ahead of the 2025/26 season, the talented prop 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.
Tributes pour in
Béziers president and former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad led the tributes following the youngster’s passing.
“Luqobo joined our training center 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.
“Today, the entire Red and Blue family is united in mourning and deeply shaken by this heartbreaking loss.”
The French professional rugby players’ union, Provale, supporters’ group Rugbiterre and members of the wider rugby community also paid tribute to the promising South African, while recognising the support provided to Makwedini in France by club official Saul Loggenberg.
President offers condolences
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to Makwedini’s family, friends and loved ones following the tragedy.
The President joined the growing chorus of tributes to a young player whose life and career were cut tragically short just as he was beginning to make his mark in professional rugby overseas.
Funeral details are expected to be announced once the family has finalised the arrangements.