A Springbok front-rower has decided to call time on his professional playing career.
The Vodacom Bulls confirmed on Friday that prop Lizo Gqoboka has announced his retirement, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career that saw him rise from humble beginnings to represent the Springboks and become a mainstay in Pretoria.
The 36-year-old loosehead, who earned two Test caps for the Boks, says the time was right to walk away from the game.
“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 Vodacom Bulls.”
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In fitting fashion, Gqoboka signed off with a memorable performance, scoring two tries, winning eight scrum penalties and earning the Man of the Match award in a warm-up fixture against the Valke.
Rather than being forced out by injury, he chose to retire on his own terms.
“I just felt that it’s time. I knew I was always on the edge, but I just had this knowing now that it’s time, at 36,” he said.
“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.”
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Gqoboka’s journey to the top of the game was anything but conventional.
Raised in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, he only began playing rugby seriously at the age of 19 after previously focusing on soccer and athletics. Before rugby became a career, he worked loading trucks and later at a funeral parlour, while also completing a business management qualification and holding down a full-time job in construction.
“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.”
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His potential was spotted by former Springbok Robbi Kempson, who helped secure his first professional contract with the EP Kings.
Gqoboka would go on to play for the Stormers, spend a stint in France with Montpellier and establish himself as one of the Bulls’ most dependable front-rowers.
Asked to reflect on the proudest moment of his career, the answer was straightforward.
“Definitely playing for the Springboks, representing my country. I think that’s the biggest one for any player.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Bok front-rower calls it quits appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A Springbok front-rower has decided to call time on his professional playing career.
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