The 20-year-old former South Africa Under-18 prop died after collapsing during a training session with French Pro D2 club AS Béziers.

Cape Town, South Africa (Running Africa) — South African rugby is mourning the loss of rising star Luqobo Makwedini, who died on Friday after collapsing during a training session with French Pro D2 club AS Béziers.

The 20-year-old tighthead prop, affectionately known as “Bibo,” suffered a medical emergency during a morning training session at Stade de la Gayonne. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, but died several hours later.

French media reports indicated that Makwedini is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest. However, AS Béziers has not confirmed the official cause of death, and no further medical details have been released.

Born in Cape Town, Makwedini joined the AS Béziers academy ahead of the 2025–26 season after emerging through the renowned rugby program at Wynberg Boys’ High School. A former South Africa Under-18 international, he was widely regarded as one of the club’s most promising young talents and had been pushing for promotion to the senior squad ahead of the new campaign.

Tributes poured in from across the rugby community following news of his passing.

AS Béziers president and former Springboks captain Bob Skinstad described Makwedini as a humble, dedicated, and hardworking player whose character had left a lasting impression on teammates, coaches, and everyone associated with the club.

The death of the young prop has sent shockwaves through South African rugby, with players, supporters, and officials remembering him as an emerging talent whose career showed immense promise.

Makwedini’s passing comes during a somber week for South African sport following the death of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams, adding to a period of mourning across the country’s sporting community.

As tributes continue to pour in from South Africa and France, Makwedini is being remembered not only for his potential on the rugby field but also for the dedication, humility, and passion that defined his short but inspiring career.