Lizo Gqoboka has announced his retirement at 36, ending a professional career that took him from rural Mount Frere and jobs as a truck loader and funeral parlour worker to two Springbok caps and more than a decade at Loftus Versfeld.
The loosehead prop only took up rugby seriously at 19, earning his first professional contract through the guidance of Robbie Kempson before progressing via the Stormers and Montpellier to become a cornerstone of the Bulls pack. He also recently completed a theology degree.
Gqoboka chose his own moment to walk away. His final appearance — a warm-up match against the Falcons — ended with a man-of-the-match award, two tries and eight scrum penalties. A week later, with no injury forcing his hand, he informed the Bulls his playing days were over.
He singles out Frans Malherbe as his toughest opponent: "He's not just big and strong, he's also technically sound."
Blue Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone described Gqoboka's story as one of the most remarkable in South African rugby. Gqoboka himself plans to focus on ministry, his earthmoving equipment business and motivational speaking. "All my kids were born here. It's home," he said.