Ex-SA Under-18 rugby star Luqobo Makwedini dies after training session in France
Luqobo 'Bibo' Makwedini, a 20-year-old South African rugby prospect, has died after collapsing during a training session with the French club AS Béziers Hérault. The club and the rugby community are mourning the loss of the young athlete, who was suspected to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Why it matters
The sudden death of a young professional athlete highlights the ongoing concerns regarding cardiac health and safety protocols in high-intensity sports.
Ask AI 2 min AS Béziers Hérault announced the death of SA prop Luqobo "Bibo" Makwedini, 20, in a statement on Friday night
Ex- SA Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini collapsed and died following a training session with French club AS Béziers Hérault on Friday.
The 20-year-old front ranker, affectionately known as Bibo, fell ill at the end of the morning session at the Stade de la Gayonne and was rushed to hospital, where he died a few hours later.
French reports said he was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest, though the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed.
Makwedini, a product of Wynberg Boys' High in Cape Town, had joined the Béziers academy ahead of the 2025/26 season and was regarded by the club as one of its brightest young prospects.
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