South African rugby player Lusanda Dumke passed away from cancer, and SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said she represented the country with courage and resilience throughout her career. The former captain earned 33 Test caps for the Springbok Women, led the squad three times, and took home Women's Rugby Player of the Year honors back in 2022.
Dumke started playing provincial rugby for Border Ladies as a teenager, made her national team debut against Wales, and eventually captained South Africa in matches against Kenya and Australia. She competed in the Women's Rugby World Cup held in New Zealand, scored 10 tries during her international career, and also represented the Springbok Women's Sevens team at multiple tournaments. At the provincial level, she led both Border and the Bulls Daisies to championship victories.
Dumke started playing provincial rugby for Border Ladies as a teenager, made her national team debut against Wales, and eventually captained South Africa in matches against Kenya and Australia. She competed in the Women's Rugby World Cup held in New Zealand, scored 10 tries during her international career, and also represented the Springbok Women's Sevens team at multiple tournaments. At the provincial level, she led both Border and the Bulls Daisies to championship victories.
