Women’s rugby has suffered a devastating loss as former Springbok Women’s captain Lusanda Dumke passed away at the age of 28 following a battle with a rare gastric cancer.
The Blue Bulls Company confirmed the news about the ‘Heartbeat of the Bulls Daisies’ in a statement released on Tuesday, 16 December 2024.
Dumke has been a key force in the Pretoria-side’s success. As captain, she quickly became a favourite among fans and has been a driver in the union’s success in becoming the top women’s rugby team in South Africa.
Since the franchise’s inception in 2023, she has led the team to a historic three consecutive Women’s Premier Division titles, including the 2025 championship. She made 31 appearances for the Daisies during her tenure.
She took a step back from rugby in August this year, citing medical reasons.
Thando Manana, Head of High Performance and Special Projects at the Blue Bulls Company, paid tribute to the late captain in the team’s statement.
“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. To achieve what she did by the age of 28, leading a team to a three-peat and captaining her country, is simply phenomenal.”
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“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.”
Teammate at the Bulls and Springbok Women, Libbie Janse Van Rensburg, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram where she spoke about how special Dumke was to her.
“My heart is broken this morning. I was fortunate enough to experience the light and energy that you shared with the world. Sharing the field with a legend and co-captaining the Daisies. In the tough times, you provided wisdom and clarity, and you have left a hole in women’s rugby that could never be filled. A true inspiration, a legend, and an amazing friend. You will be forever missed, Durra. RIP Lusanda Dumke.”
The Bulls Daisies took home the Team of the Year gong at the 2024 gsport Awards. Dumke and her team were celebrated for their excellence in women’s rugby. The team leader spoke to SABC Sport after that triumph at the Wanderers Club.
“We are excited; the team did really well. We thank everyone that has been doing the job behind the scenes, starting from the coach, from offices and of course Mr (Thando) Manana who trusted us with everything he had. So we thank everyone, and we hope that we will continue doing well.”
On the international front, Dumke was a force to be reckoned with, since making her Test debut in 2018, she became a regular in the team. In 2022, Dumke was a member of the Springbok Women’s squad that participated in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. She was the recipient of the SA Rugby’s Women’s Rugby Player of the Year in 2022. She played 33 Tests and captained South Africa three times. She also represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens team. Her last Test was against Italy in WXV 2 in Cape Town in 2024. She scored 10 tries in her Test career.
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SA Rugby President Mark Alexander offered his condolences on the enormous loss of Dumke.
“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 Mr 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 she touched, the example she set, and the pride with which she represented her 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 heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with all who loved and supported her through her journey. May you find strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.”
International referee Aimee Barrett-Theron also expressed her sadness after the loss of Dumke on Instagram.
“Incredibly sad news… Rest in Peace Lusanda Dumke. One of the best players to wear the green and gold.”
According to her statement, released by her franchise, funeral arrangements will be made public by the family in due course.
Main Photo Caption: Women’s rugby has suffered a devastating loss as former Springbok Women’s and Bulls Daisies captain Lusanda Dumke passed away at the age of 28 following a battle with a rare gastric cancer. Photo: Sachin du Plooy-Naran / gsport
Photo 2 Caption: The loss of the charismatic rugby player at such a young age has shaken the community. Photo: Gallo Images via SA Rugby
Photo 3 Caption: The former captain Lusanda Dumke and Bulls Daisies members celebrate the team’s 2024 Team of the Year Award. Photo: Paul Mukwevho / gsport
