Former Springbok Women captain Lusanda Dumke passed away on Tuesday in East London following a battle with a rare form of gastric cancer. She was 29.
Dumke, who was named SA Rugby Women’s Rugby Player of the Year in 2022, enjoyed a distinguished international career in which she earned 33 Test caps for South Africa and captained the Springbok Women on three occasions. She also represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens team, underlining her versatility and impact across formats of the game.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander hailed Dumke as a player and leader whose influence extended far beyond the rugby field.
“Lusanda will be remembered not only as a former captain of our Springbok Women’s team, but also as a symbol of courage, leadership, and resilience far beyond her years,” said Alexander.
“She played the game with heart and humility, always giving everything she had for her team. Her work ethic, toughness, and selfless commitment set the standard, and she led by example every time she stepped onto the field.
“Even in the face of immense personal challenge, she carried herself with dignity and strength, inspiring those around her on and off the field. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the example she set, and the pride with which she represented this team and country.”
Alexander also extended SA Rugby’s condolences to Dumke’s family and loved ones.
“On behalf of SA Rugby, we extend our deepest condolences to the Dumke family, loved ones, friends, and teammates on the sad passing of Lusanda. Losing someone so young to cancer is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with all who loved and supported her through this journey. May you find strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.”
Born on 11 September 1996, Dumke made her provincial debut for the Border Ladies in 2015 at just 18 years old. Her rise through the ranks was swift, and she made her Test debut for the Springbok Women in 2018 against Wales in Cardiff.
She went on to become a mainstay in the national side and first captained South Africa in 2021 during a two-Test series against Kenya in Stellenbosch. She would later lead the team again, including in a Test against Australia in 2024.
Dumke was part of the Springbok Women squad at the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, featuring in all three pool matches against France, Fiji and England. Her final Test appearance came against Italy at the WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town in 2024. Over the course of her Test career, she scored 10 tries.
Her rugby intelligence, athleticism and vision also saw her excel in the sevens format. Dumke represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens team in Cape Town in 2019 and again in 2022, when she featured at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Tunisia, where South Africa successfully defended their continental title.
At provincial level, Dumke’s leadership qualities were equally evident. She captained Border and later the Isuzu Bulls Daisies, leading both teams to provincial titles and earning widespread respect as a leader and teammate.
English