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2w ago

Lizo Gqoboka Retires From Professional Rugby

Recurring injuries prompted a long‑planned exit, with Gqoboka set to focus on ministry, grow his business, pursue motivational speaking.

Lizo Gqoboka has called time on his career. Picture: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 30: Lizo Gqoboka during the South African national mens rugby team training session at Bitou Rugby Club on May 30, 2017 in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
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Overview

  • The Vodacom Bulls confirmed on Friday that 36‑year‑old prop Lizo Gqoboka has informed the club he is retiring from professional rugby.
  • Gqoboka said the decision was "long coming" after years of recurring injuries in his early thirties and that he chose to finish on his own terms.
  • He signed off on a high note in a warm‑up fixture, scoring two tries, winning eight scrum penalties and earning Man of the Match honours.
  • Gqoboka rose from Mount Frere and only began playing rugby seriously at 19, was spotted by Robbi Kempson, had stints with the Stormers and Montpellier, spent more than a decade with the Bulls and earned two Springbok caps.
  • He plans to devote time to ministry after completing a theology degree, expand his earthmoving‑equipment business and do motivational speaking, a transition praised by Blue Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone and one that will leave the Bulls with a gap in experienced front‑row depth.