Rugby mourns as former SA U18 prop dies at 20
NEWS: The rugby fraternity has as been rocked by tragedy after French Pro D2 club AS Béziers Hérault confirmed the passing of prop Luqobo Makwedini at the age of 20.
According to media reports, the 20-year-old, affectionately known as Bibo, collapsed at the end of a training session at the Stade de la Gayonne and was rushed to hospital on Friday, where he died a few hours later.
French media reported that it is believed he suffered a cardiac arrest, though the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed.
Makwedini, who attended Wynberg Boys’ High School and represented SA U18, had joined Béziers’ academy ahead of the 2025–26 season. Regarded as one of the club’s brightest young prospects, he was expected to push for a place in the senior squad during the upcoming campaign.
Club president and former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad led the tributes.
“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the tragic passing of our young player, Luqobo (Bibo) Makwedini, at the age of 20,” Skinstad said in a statement.
“Luqobo joined our training centre during the off-season and quickly became a valued member of the Red and Blue family. 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.
“We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his family, loved ones, teammates and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Skinstad added that the club would support Makwedini’s family and teammates as they came to terms with the tragedy.
“During this time of immense sorrow, AS Béziers Hérault stands with his loved ones and offers them its full support.
“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. As a club, we are deeply saddened by his passing.”
🖤🕊🙏✨𝗟’𝗔𝗦 𝗕𝗲́𝘇𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗛𝗲́𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝘂𝗶𝗹
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
— ASBH Officiel (@ASBHOfficiel) July 10, 2026
