The world of rugby is in mourning following the death of former South Africa women's captain Lusanda Dumke at the age of 29. The inspirational loose forward passed away on Tuesday in East London after a courageous fight against a rare form of gastric cancer.
A Stellar Career Cut Tragically Short
Lusanda Dumke earned 33 caps for her country, leading the national side as captain on three separate occasions. Her versatility and skill also saw her represent South Africa in Rugby Sevens. At club level, she was the captain of the Isuzu Bulls Daisies, a pivotal figure in the team's success, helping them secure three consecutive Women’s Premier Division titles.
Her outstanding contributions were formally recognised in 2022 when she was named SA Rugby's Women’s Player of the Year, cementing her status as one of the nation's finest talents.
Tributes from the Heart of Rugby
Mark Alexander, President of South Africa Rugby, led the tributes, describing Dumke as a "symbol of courage, leadership, and resilience far beyond her years." He praised her selfless commitment and the dignified strength she displayed throughout her illness, stating her legacy would live on in the lives she touched.
"She played the game with heart and humility, always giving everything she had for her team," Alexander said. "Her work ethic, toughness, and selfless commitment set the standard."
A Legacy of Resilience and Inspiration
Thando Manana, head of high performance at the Blue Bulls Company, echoed these sentiments, calling Dumke "the heartbeat of our Daisies team." He highlighted her phenomenal achievements, including leading her club to a historic 'three-peat' of titles and captaining her country, all before turning 28.
"Her fight against cancer mirrored her toughness on the field; she fought till the end," Manana said. "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."
The news has sent waves of grief through the sporting community, with fans and fellow athletes remembering a player whose leadership and spirit left an indelible mark on South African rugby.
