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The family of promising rugby player Luqobo Makwedini have revealed his final conversation just days before his sudden death in France
The heartbroken family of promising South African rugby player Luqobo Makwedini have revealed the final conversation they had with him just days before his sudden death in France.
Makwedini, 20, collapsed following a training session with French Pro D2 side Béziers at the Stade de la Gayonne on Friday morning.
He was taken to hospital but died a few hours later, with French media reporting that the young prop is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest. The precise cause of his death has not yet been officially confirmed.
His uncle, Mpumi Zuzile, has now revealed that Makwedini had spoken to his family on Tuesday and complained about the heat in France and the intensity of pre-season training.
“On Tuesday, we were in contact, and he was in good spirits that the pre-season had started,” Zuzile told Sowetan.
“He complained about the heat in France and tough training. We encouraged him to be strong and reminded him he had done this his entire life.”
Three days later, the talented forward, affectionately known as “Bibo”, was dead.
Zuzile said Makwedini had returned to France on July 3 after spending time at home in South Africa following the end of the season.
He explained that the youngster had been expected to remain home for six months, but his plans changed when Béziers appointed a new coach, former Springboks prop Gurthrö Steenkamp, and the squad was called back early for training.
“He had been home after months living in France since he finished his matric (exams) in December 2025 and immediately left,” Zuzile said.
“He didn’t even have an opportunity to enjoy some holidays after writing matric. He only came back at the end of May because the season had finished.
“He was meant to be back for six months, but the entire team was called back by a new coach. On July 3, he flew back to start training.”
Despite being on a break while back in South Africa, Makwedini continued working to ensure he remained in peak condition.
“He would not miss a day at the gym,” Zuzile added. “That is how dedicated he was.”
Makwedini’s rugby talent had earned him scholarships to Durban High School and Wynberg Boys’ High School, where he completed his education.
He represented South Africa at under-18 level in 2024 before being recruited into the Béziers academy for the 2025/26 season.
The prop was regarded as one of the French club’s brightest young prospects and had been tipped to step up to the senior squad ahead of the new Pro D2 campaign.
Wynberg Boys’ High School paid tribute to their former pupil in an emotional statement.
“Our Wynberg community mourns the tragic passing of our much-loved brother, Bibo Makwedini, Matric 2025,” it read.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, teammates, and school friends. RIP Old Boy, Old Friend.”
Béziers president and former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad said Makwedini had quickly become a valued member of the club.
“His commitment, kindness and personal qualities deeply impressed everyone at the club,” Skinstad said.
“Today, the entire Red and Blue family is united in mourning and deeply shaken by this heartbreaking loss.”
Wales international Mackenzie Martin, who recently joined Béziers, also paid tribute by sharing a photograph of Makwedini alongside a broken-heart emoji.
Makwedini’s family are now working with South African government departments to repatriate his remains.
