FORMER Springbok Women's captain Lusanda Dumke has passed away at the age of 29.
This comes after her battle with a rare form of gastric cancer.
The fearless back-rower, who stepped away from rugby in August due to health challenges, died in East London in the early hours of Tuesday, 16 December.
Dumke earned 33 Test caps for the Springbok Women and captained the national side three times.
She also led the Isuzu Bulls Daisies to a historic three consecutive Women's Premier Division titles, cementing her place as one of the giants of women's rugby.
In 2022, she was crowned SA Rugby Women's Player of the Year and also represented the Springbok Women's Sevens team during her illustrious career.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander paid tribute, describing Dumke as a symbol of courage and leadership.
A natural leader on and off the field, Dumke inspired countless young women to believe they belong in rugby and sport.
"Lusanda played with heart and humility. Her toughness, work ethic, and selfless commitment set the standard.
"Even in the face of immense personal challenges, she carried herself with dignity and strength," said Alexander.
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The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture also expressed deep sadness at her passing, hailing Dumke as one of South Africa's most influential women rugby players.
Minister Gayton McKenzie said:
"She carried the hopes of her teammates and the pride of the nation every time she stepped onto the field. Her loss is devastating to rugby and to the country."
Dumke made her provincial debut for the Border Ladies in 2015 at just 18, and earned her first Test cap in 2018 against Wales.
She captained the Boks for the first time in 2021 against Kenya and again in 2024 against Australia.
She featured at the 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, playing against France, Fiji, and England, and scored 10 tries in her Test career.
Her final Test was against Italy in Cape Town during WXV 2 in 2024.
