SA Rugby mourns passing of former Springbok Women captain Lusanda Dumke

Bulelwa Hoala

Former Springbok Women captain Lusanda Dumke has passed away at 29 in East London after battling a rare gastric cancer.
Dumke had a distinguished rugby career, including 33 test appearances, three times captain of South Africa, SA Women’s Player of the Year 2022, and represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised her selfless commitment, work ethic, and inspiration on and off the field, noting that her legacy will live on in the lives she touched.

Tributes are pouring in following the passing of former Springbok Women captain Lusanda Dumke on Tuesday morning, 16 December 2025.

Dumke passed away in East London after a battle with a rare gastric cancer. She was 29 years old.

During her career, Dumke played 33 Tests, captained South Africa three times, was SA Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year in 2022, and represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander extended condolences to the Dumke family, saying Dumke will be remembered as a symbol of courage, leadership, and resilience.

“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,” said Alexander.

“Losing someone so young to cancer is heartbreaking, 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,” he added.

Here’s a timeline summary of Lusanda Dumke’s rugby career:

11 September 1996 – Born.
2015 – Made provincial debut for Border Ladies at age 18.
2018 – Made Test debut for Springbok Women against Wales in Cardiff.
2019 – Represented Springbok Women’s Sevens team in Cape Town.
2021 – Captained Springbok Women for the first time in a two-Test series against Kenya in Stellenbosch.
2022 – Played in Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, featuring in all three pool matches (France, Fiji, England).
2022 – Competed in Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Tunisia, helping South Africa defend their continental title; also played in the Cape Town sevens event.
2024 – Captained Springbok Women against Australia; played her final Test against Italy in WXV 2 in Cape Town.
Career achievements – Scored 10 tries in her Test career; captained Border and Isuzu Bulls Daisies to provincial titles.