Former South Africa women’s rugby captain Lusanda Dumke has died at the age of 29 after being diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer.
Dumke played 33 international matches for South Africa and captained the team on three occasions. At club level, she also led the Bulls Daisies and helped them win the Women’s Premier Division title three years in a row.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander paid tribute to her, describing Dumke as a courageous and inspiring leader who showed strength and dignity despite serious health challenges.
Dumke stepped away from rugby in August due to her illness, and her death has been met with widespread sadness across the sport.
