Lizo Gqoboka retires from rugby

Bulls stalwart Lizo Gqoboka has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 36, bringing an end to a remarkable career that included two Springbok caps and more than a decade at Loftus Versfeld.

Lizo Gqoboka Announces Retirement

Gqoboka confirmed this week that he has decided to step away from the game after years of injury setbacks and a long professional career.

The veteran prop said the decision had been coming for some time, especially after struggling with repeated injuries in recent years. However, he said he was grateful to finish his career with the Bulls, where he spent the most important years of his rugby journey.

Gqoboka said he leaves the game with gratitude and contentment after what he described as a good run.

“I think it’s been long coming,” Gqoboka said.

“Most of my early thirties and the past four years especially, with all the injuries I was getting back to back, I knew it was really getting close. But I was so grateful to finish here, with the Bulls.

“I just felt that it’s time, you know? I knew I was always on the edge, but I just had this knowing now that it’s time, at 36. I’ve had a good run. I’ve had a really good run, and so I think my heart is just full with gratitude and contentment.”

Remarkable Rise To Springboks

Gqoboka’s rugby journey was far from ordinary. He worked loading trucks at the age of 15 and later worked at a funeral parlour before seriously taking up rugby only at 19.

He initially started as an eighthman before moving into the front row. Gqoboka admitted he did not understand the difference between a prop and a hooker when he first began playing, having never watched rugby before taking up the sport.

“I couldn’t tell you the difference between a prop and a hooker when I started,” he admitted.

“I had never watched rugby before I played it. I just took the ball and ran fast because I played soccer and did athletics. I think that’s why I was picked, because I didn’t know what I was doing.”

His talent was later spotted through former EP Kings connections, helping him earn his first professional contract. He went on to play for the Stormers, Montpellier and the Bulls.

Bulls Praise Gqoboka Legacy

est honour of his career. He earned two Test caps for South Africa and became a respected figure in the Bulls environment.

Gqoboka also built a business in earthmoving equipment and credited financial discipline for helping him prepare for life after rugby.