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Lusanda Dumke played for her country on 33 occasions, captaining the side on three times
South Africa international Lusanda Dumke has died at the age of 29 following a battle with a rare gastric cancer.
The back-row had stepped away from rugby back in August to focus on her health. Unfortunately, her club, the Izuzu Bulls Daisies, confirmed the sad news of her passing on Tuesday.
Dumke had been the captain of the franchise since its inception in 2023, leading the team to three consecutive Women’s Premier Division titles, including the 2025 championship.
She made 31 appearances for the Daisies, while she also played 33 times for the Springbok women’s team – captaining her country on three occasions.
Named SA Rugby’s women’s player of the year in 2022, Dumke also played for the Springbok 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 SA rugby president Mark 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 he touched, the example he set, and the pride with which he represented his team and 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 heart-breaking, and our thoughts are with all who loved and supported her through his journey. May you find strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.”
Dumke had started her career with Border Ladies as an 18-year-old, going on to make her Test debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2018.
She captained the side for the first time in 2021 against Kenya in a two-Test series. The following year, he was part of South Africa’s World Cup squad.
The last of her 33 caps came in 2024, with Dumke scoring 10 tries throughout her Test career.
“Lusanda was more than a captain; she was the heartbeat of our Daisies team and a true inspiration to everyone at the Bulls and in South African sport,” said Thando Manana, Head of High Performance and Special Projects at the Blue Bulls Company.
“To achieve what she did by the age of 28, leading a team to a three-peat and captaining her country, is simply phenomenal.
“Her fight against cancer mirrored her toughness on the field; she fought till the end. Her legacy of resilience and success will forever define this era of women’s rugby in South Africa. We have lost a precious, rare gem, and our thoughts are with her family.”
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