SA Rugby President Mark Alexander has paid tribute to former Springbok Women’s captain Lusanda Dumke, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning in East London after a battle with a rare form of gastric cancer. She was 29 years old.
Dumke, a towering figure in women’s rugby, was named SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2022 and leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, resilience and commitment to the game. Over the course of her international career, she earned 33 Test caps for South Africa and captained the Springbok Women on three occasions. She also represented the country with distinction in the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.
“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.
He described Dumke as a player who led with humility and heart, setting an example through her work ethic and selfless dedication.
“Even in the face of immense personal challenge, she carried herself with dignity and strength, inspiring those around her both on and off the field. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the pride with which she represented her country.”
Alexander extended SA Rugby’s condolences to Dumke’s family, friends and teammates, saying her passing was a profound loss to the rugby community.
“Losing someone so young to cancer is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with all who loved and supported her through her journey.”
Born on 11 September 1996, Dumke began her rugby career at provincial level, making her debut for the Border Ladies in 2015 at the age of 18. Her rise through the ranks was swift, and she made her Test debut for South Africa in 2018 against Wales in Cardiff.
Dumke first captained the Springbok Women in 2021 against Kenya and later led the side in matches against Australia in 2024. She was part of South Africa’s squad at the 2022 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, featuring in matches against France, Fiji and England.
Her contributions extended beyond the 15s game. Dumke represented South Africa on the Sevens circuit in 2019 and 2022, including a successful campaign at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Tunisia, where the team claimed the title.
At domestic level, she captained both the Border Ladies and the Isuzu Bulls Daisies to provincial championship success, further cementing her reputation as a natural leader.
Dumke’s final Test appearance came against Italy during the WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town in 2024. She concluded her international career with 10 Test tries, leaving an indelible mark on South African women’s rugby.
Her passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the sporting community, with teammates, fans and administrators honouring a player whose influence reached far beyond the field.