CAPW TOWN – The Blue Bulls have confirmed the devastating passing of Bulls Daisies captain and Springbok Women loose forward Lusanda Dumke.
The highly respected Loose forward passed away at the age of 28 after a courageous battle with a rare form of gastric cancer.
The Lusanda Dumke Foundation founder captained Daisies from the franchise’s inception in 2023, playing a central role in establishing the team as a dominant force in women’s rugby.
Under her inspirational leadership, the Daisies secured an unprecedented three consecutive Women’s Premier Division titles, including the 2025 championship.
Over the course of her career with Daisies, she made 31 appearances, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
Grew up at Cebe Location in Centane in the Eastern Cape, Dumke was a stalwart of the Springbok Women setup, earning 33 Test caps and captaining the national side on three occasions.
“Lusanda was more than a captain; she was the heartbeat of our Daisies team and a true inspiration to everyone at the Bulls and in South African sport. To achieve what she did by the age of 28, leading a team to a three-peat and captaining her country, is simply phenomenal,” said Thando Manana, Head of High Performance and Special Projects at the Blue Bulls Company.
“Her fight against cancer mirrored her toughness on the field; she fought till the end. Her legacy of resilience and success will forever define this era of women’s rugby in South Africa.
“We have lost a precious, rare gem, and our thoughts are with her family.”
Funeral arrangements will be made public by the family in due course.
Image: @BullsDaisies/Twitter.
