Former South Africa under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini, known as Bibo, has died at the age of 20 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a training session with his French Pro D2 club Béziers at the Stade de la Gayonne. Image: Supplied
South African rugby is mourning the death of former South Africa under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini. The Luqobo Makwedini death was confirmed after the 20-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during a training session with his French Pro D2 club Béziers at the Stade de la Gayonne. Furthermore, emergency services responded to the scene but were unable to save him. As a result, South African rugby has lost one of its brightest young prospects in deeply tragic circumstances.
Luqobo Makwedini Death: What Happened at Béziers
Makwedini collapsed during a training session at the Stade de la Gayonne, the home ground of Béziers in the French Pro D2. Medical personnel and emergency services attended to him at the scene. However, despite their efforts, the cardiac arrest proved fatal. Furthermore, Béziers confirmed the news in a statement expressing profound shock and grief at the loss of their young player. As a result, training at the club was suspended as players, coaches and staff came to terms with the devastating loss.
Makwedini was 20 years old. He had moved to France to pursue his professional rugby career with Béziers after representing South Africa at under-18 level. Furthermore, his decision to play abroad at such a young age reflected both his ambition and the belief that coaches and selectors had in his potential as a front row forward. As a result, his death leaves a void in South African rugby that goes far beyond statistics and caps.
Who Was Luqobo Makwedini
Luqobo Makwedini, known to those close to him as Bibo, was a prop forward who had represented South Africa at under-18 level. He was part of a generation of young South African forwards who had caught the attention of professional clubs both domestically and abroad. His size, scrummaging technique and work rate at the breakdown had made him a player of genuine promise at an age when most young props are still developing the physical attributes the position demands. Furthermore, his move to Béziers in the French Pro D2 placed him in one of the most competitive and technically demanding rugby environments in the world. As a result, his development in France had been watched closely by those who believed he had the tools to eventually push for a Springbok cap.
South African Rugby Responds
Tributes began pouring in from across South African rugby as news of Makwedini’s death spread on Saturday. SARU and the broader rugby community expressed their shock and grief at the loss of such a young player. Cardiac events during sport, while rare, are a reminder of the fragility of life and the risks that athletes carry with them even during routine training sessions. Furthermore, Béziers called for the rugby world to unite around his family and loved ones during an unimaginably difficult time. As a result, condolences are flowing from South Africa, France and the global rugby community.
Mzansi Today Live extends its deepest condolences to the Makwedini family, his teammates at Béziers, and everyone in South African rugby who knew and loved Bibo. Rest in peace.
Read our earlier coverage: Springboks Open 2026 Season With 80-31 Win Over Barbarians.
For more on South African rugby visit springboks.rugby.
Editors Note All information in this article is based on confirmed reports from Béziers and South African rugby sources as at 12 July 2026. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.