Former Springboks Women's Captain Lusanda Dumke Remembered as a True Rugby Warrior
- The South African rugby fraternity is mourning the loss of a respected leader who helped shape a defining era of the women’s game
- Tributes from players, coaches and fans have highlighted her influence both on the field and within the national setup
- Her legacy stretches from provincial dominance to representing South Africa on the world stage in both formats
The late Lusanda Dumke, former Springbok Women captain, has been remembered by rugby fans as a true warrior of the game. Dumke passed away on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at the age of 29, following a courageous battle with a rare form of stomach cancer.
Source: Getty Images
A highly accomplished loose forward, Dumke was a central figure in South African women’s rugby and a leader respected well beyond the pitch.
Lusanda Dumke’s impact on Springbok Women's rugby
Dumke earned 33 Test caps for the Springbok Women, captaining the national side on three occasions. Her work rate, physicality and game intelligence made her one of the most influential players of her generation.
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Equally effective in the shorter format, she represented Springbok Women’s Sevens, first donning the green and gold in Cape Town in 2019. In 2022, she played a key role at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Tunisia, helping South Africa retain their continental title before featuring again in Cape Town.
Tributes pour in for former Springbok Women's captain
In one of her final media appearances, alongside Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin, Dumke spoke with clarity and authority, earning praise from the coach for the responsibility she carried within the squad. The clip later drew emotional reactions from fans online.
Supporters described her as fearless, relentless and ever-present on the field, with many highlighting her powerful carries, uncompromising defence and tireless presence as a flanker.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi led the tributes on social media with a heartfelt message, while SA Rugby president Alexander conveyed condolences to Dumke’s family, friends, teammates and supporters. He acknowledged the deep pain of losing someone so young and praised her strength and legacy.
Source: Getty Images
Dumke began her career with Border in 2015 before making her Springbok Women's Test debut in 2018 against Wales. She was part of the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup squad and enjoyed major domestic success with the Isuzu Bulls Daisies, winning multiple Women’s Premier Division titles. Her contributions were recognised when she was named SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2022.
She stepped away from rugby in 2025 due to illness, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape the modern era of South African women’s rugby.
Springbok legends who passed away in 2025
Briefly News previously reported that 2025 was one of the darkest years in the history of the Springboks as several legendary figures lost their lives.
From the oldest living Springbok to more recently retired stars, the year became a sombre chapter for South African rugby. South Africa lost several iconic names in the world of rugby.
Source: Briefly News
