Former South Africa captain dies aged 29 after cancer battle
Ex-Springboks Women's captain Lusanda Dumke and SA Rugby president Mark Alexander (inset).
South African rugby was left in mourning this week after learning of the death of former Springboks Women’s skipper Lusanda Dumke, who passed away in East London on Tuesday.
Dumke, who was 29 years old and also captained the Bulls Daisies side at provincial level, died following a battle with a rare gastric cancer.
She was named as SA Rugby’s Women’s Rugby Player of the Year in 2022, made 33 Test appearances for South Africa and captained her country on three occasions.
Dumke also represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens team during her career.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander paid tribute to Dumke after learning of her passing.
‘A symbol of courage, leadership, and resilience’
“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,” he said.
“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 her country.
“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.”
Made her Test debut against Wales in 2018
Dumke initially played for the Border Ladies team and made her provincial debut in 2015 as an 18-year-old. She made her Test debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2018.
Dumke soon became a fixture in the Springboks Women’s team and captained them for the first time in 2021 against Kenya during a two-Test series in Stellenbosch.
She also captained the team in a Test against Australia in 2024.
In 2022, Dumke was a member of the Springboks Women’s squad that participated in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where she was in action in all three of their pool matches against France, Fiji and England.
She made her last Test appearance for South Africa against Italy in the WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town last year. She scored 10 tries in her Test career.
Due to her excellent skills and vision, Dumke represented Springbok Women’s Sevens team in 2019. In 2022, she also played in the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Tunisia, where South Africa defended their continental title, as well as the Cape Town event of World Rugby’s Sevens series.
At provincial level, Dumke led Border as well as the Bulls Daisies to provincial titles.