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Luqobo Makwedini, 20, is reported to have suffered a cardiac arrest at training in France
South African and French rugby have been rocked by the sudden death of a promising player who had already earned age grade honours for his country.
Luqobo Makwedini, 20, collapsed after Friday morning’s training session with French PRO D2 side Beziers at the Stade de la Gayonne. He was taken to hospital but died a few hours later.
French media reports said the South African prop is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest, although the exact cause of his death has not been officially confirmed.
Wales international Mackenzie Martin, who has just joined the French club, posted about the tragedy on Instagram, sharing a picture of Makwedini with a broken heart emoji.
Makwedini, affectionately known as “Bibo”, had recently joined Beziers’ academy ahead of the 2025/26 season after coming through the ranks at Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town.
The former South Africa Under-18 international was regarded as one of the club’s brightest young prospects and had been tipped to step up to the senior squad ahead of the new Pro D2 campaign.
The club, whose president is former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad, confirmed Makwedini’s death in a statement on Friday evening.
Skinstad said: “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: “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.”
Tributes were paid from across the French rugby community following the announcement.
The French professional rugby players’ union, Provale, offered its condolences to Makwedini’s family, friends and teammates, as well as everyone at Béziers, describing it as an incredibly difficult time for all those affected.
