Truck loader turned Bok Lizo Gqoboka hangs up boots

Lizo Gqoboka has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 36, bringing the curtain down on a career that included more than a decade with the Bulls and two Springbok appearances.

The loosehead prop informed the Bulls of his decision a week after producing a man-of-the-match display against the Falcons in a pre-season fixture, scoring two tries and winning eight scrum penalties.

Gqoboka said the decision had been years in the making following a series of injury setbacks.

“I leave the game with a heart full of gratitude and contentment,” he said.

His retirement ends one of South African rugby’s most unconventional success stories.

Raised in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, Gqoboka only took up rugby seriously at 19. Before entering the professional game, he worked as a truck loader and at a funeral parlour, while completing a business management qualification.

Former Springbok Robbie Kempson helped guide him into the professional ranks and he went on to play for the Stormers and French side Montpellier before becoming a mainstay of the Bulls pack.

The two Springbok caps he earned rank among the highlights of a career spent overcoming long odds to reach the top level.

Asked to identify the toughest opponent he faced, Gqoboka pointed to fellow Springbok prop Frans Malherbe.
“He’s not just big and strong, he’s also technically sound,” said Gqoboka.

Away from rugby, Gqoboka recently completed a theology degree and plans to devote more time to ministry while also expanding his earthmoving equipment business and motivational speaking work.

Blue Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone paid tribute to the veteran prop, describing his career as one of the game’s more remarkable journeys. Rathbone praised not only Gqoboka’s achievements on the field, but also his humility, resilience and character throughout his time at Loftus.

For Gqoboka, meanwhile, there was a simple reason why the Bulls remained such an important part of his story.

“I’m truly grateful,” he said. “All my kids were born here. It’s home.”