South African rugby is in mourning following the death of former Springbok Women’s captain Lusanda Dumke, who passed away in East London in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a courageous battle with rare gastric cancer. She was just 29 years old.
Dumke, who was named SA Rugby’s Women’s Rugby Player of the Year in 2022, leaves behind a remarkable legacy having earned 33 Test caps and captained her country three times. The versatile player also represented South Africa in the Springbok Women’s Sevens team during her distinguished career.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander paid tribute to the fallen captain, describing her impact both on and off the 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,” Alexander said. “She played the game with heart and humility, always giving everything she had for her team.”
Alexander praised Dumke’s exemplary character, noting how “her work ethic, toughness, and selfless commitment set the standard, and she led by example every time she stepped onto the field.”
Born on 11 September 1996, Dumke’s rugby journey began at the provincial level when she made her debut for the Border Ladies in 2015 as an 18-year-old. Her talent was evident from the start, and three years later, in 2018, she earned her first Test cap against Wales in Cardiff.
Dumke quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the national team setup. She was first handed the captain’s armband in 2021 during a two-Test series against Kenya in Stellenbosch, and later led the side against Australia in 2024. Throughout her international career, she scored 10 tries across her 33 Test appearances.
One of the highlights of Dumke’s career came in 2022 when she was selected for the Springbok Women squad that competed in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. She featured in all three pool matches against France, Fiji, and England, showcasing her skills on rugby’s biggest stage.
Her final Test appearance came against Italy in the WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town in 2024, bringing the curtain down on an international career that spanned six years.
Dumke’s versatility extended beyond the 15-a-side game. She represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens team in Cape Town in 2019 and was part of the squad that defended South Africa’s continental title at the 2022 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Tunisia, also competing in the Cape Town leg of the series.
At provincial level, Dumke’s leadership qualities shone through as she captained both Border and the Isuzu Bulls Daisies to provincial titles, cementing her reputation as a natural leader.
Even during her battle with illness, Dumke continued to inspire those around her with her strength and dignity. Alexander explained how her influence extended far beyond rugby achievements.
“Even in the face of immense personal challenge, she carried herself with dignity and strength, inspiring those around her on and off the field,” he said. “Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the example she set, and the pride with which she represented her team and country.”
SA Rugby has extended its deepest condolences to the Dumke family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and loved the former captain.
“Losing someone so young to cancer is heart-breaking, and our thoughts are with all who loved and supported her through this journey,” Alexander concluded. “May you find strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.”
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