Dumke (29) passed away in East London in the early hours of Tuesday morning following a battle with a rare form of gastric cancer.
The SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2022 played 33 Tests for South Africa and captained the Springbok Women on three occasions. She also represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens team during her career.
Alexander said Dumke would be remembered not only as a former captain of the Springbok Women, but also as a symbol of courage, leadership and resilience beyond her years.
“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 both 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 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 this journey. May you find strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time.”
Born on 11 September 1996, Dumke made her provincial debut for the Border Ladies in 2015 at the age of 18. Her Test debut followed three years later, in 2018, against Wales in Cardiff.
She became a regular fixture in the Springbok team and captained the side for the first time in 2021 against Kenya in a two-Test series in Stellenbosch. She also led the team against Australia in 2024.
In 2022, Dumke was part of the Springbok Women squad that competed at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where she featured in all three pool matches against France, Fiji and England. Her final Test appearance came against Italy during the WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town in 2024, and she scored 10 tries in her Test career.
Dumke’s skill set and vision made her a natural fit for sevens rugby. She represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens team in Cape Town in 2019 and later competed at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Tunisia in 2022, where South Africa successfully defended their continental title, as well as at the Cape Town event.
At provincial level, Dumke captained both Border and the Isuzu Bulls Daisies to provincial titles.