The Vodacom Bulls family bids farewell to Springbok forward, Lizo Gqoboka who moves on to plie his trade at a club that will be confirmed by the player and his management team.
Gqoboka joined and made his debut in the famous blue back in 2016, going on to amass 108 caps across all competitions. GQ, as he is affectionately known at Loftus, is a two-time Currie Cup winner and Super Rugby Unlocked winner. He is a Super Rugby quarterfinalist and Rainbow Cup finalist with appearances in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Heineken Champions Cup. During his time at Loftus, he quickly became one of the true leaders among the herd, leading on a number of occasions as a captain thanks to the respect he enjoyed from his peers.
The prop has represented South Africa in two tests with an additional three for South Africa A and a Springbok XV side, all between 2016 and 2019. He made his debut against Australia in Johannesburg and his last test was against Argentina, at Loftus.
Gqoboka was an instrumental figure in the Vodacom Bulls 2023 Currie Cup campaign, in which he was also voted Player of the Year for his efforts during that campaign.
Director of Rugby, Jake White said: “We are saying goodbye to a player who truly showed what is possible when you work hard and believe that you can achieve something that is beyond the limits of your background. He has been a player that has been appreciated and loved by not only our fans, but those he shared a changeroom with,”
“He was an influential figure among our entire squad for a reason and as he moves on, we want to wish him all of the very best.”
Edgar Rathbone, BBCo Chief Executive said: “Lizo has been a wonderful ambassador of the game and our club during his eight years spent with us. He showed us great commitment and offered us more than just the rugby on the field, inspiring both young and old, playing such a pivotal role as a family man and motivator to all those who called Loftus home,”
“On behalf of everyone at the Vodacom Bulls, I wish to thank him for his service and wish him all of the very best for his future as he moves on.”
Gqoboka thanked the Loftus die-hard for their loyal support over the years and said the Capital will always be a special place for him and his family.
“It was an honour to represent such a great club, I am thankful for all the memories and lessons. I would like to also thank the proud and passionate Vodacom Bulls supporters for welcoming my family into their home,”
“I moved here eight years ago, as a young family man and as a player with so much to learn as much as I had plenty to offer, and I now walk away reflecting on a time that has been nothing short of memorable.”
Gqoboka added: “I am grateful for the coaches I have worked with and all the hidden heroes who have worked tirelessly in the background to get me back up whenever I was injured or helped condition me to be at the best of my game at the beginning of each season. I also consider myself truly lucky to have worked alongside the talented players who have been my teammates over the years,”
“Loftus will always be a special place for my entire family and I look forward to visiting again in the near future. I wish everyone all of the very best for the future.”