Bok Women's flanker takes break from game due to health issues
NEWS: Springbok Women’s flanker and Bulls Daisies captain Lusanda Dumke is stepping away from rugby due to health concerns.
The 28-year-old loose forward, who earned 33 Test caps and captained the Springbok Women on three occasions, led the Bulls Daisies to their third consecutive Women’s Premier Division title in 2025.
Dumke is a gifted multi-sport athlete with talents beyond rugby. Despite excelling in various sports, she chose rugby as her path, driven by a strong belief in its potential to offer her a brighter future.
Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin acknowledged Dumke’s importance to the national setup and expressed full support for her decision.
“Lusanda has been pivotal for us, but we now wish her the best as she battles her medical condition,” said De Bruin.
“Her absence will have an impact, but at the same time, the players going to the World Cup will know that playing for your country while you are fit and strong is indeed a privilege.”
At the beginning of 2022, Dumke was named the first Springbok women’s player of the year, following a stellar 2021 during which she captained her provincial side, Border, to the Premier Division title.
She played a crucial role on the national team in that year and also walked away with the award for provincial women’s player of the year in the process.
Thando Manana, executive for women’s rugby and strategic projects at the Bulls, said: “Lusanda has been more than just a captain, she’s been the heartbeat of the Bulls Daisies. Her leadership, humility, and relentless drive have shaped the culture of this team.
“While we respect her decision to step away for health reasons, her legacy will continue to inspire every player who wears this jersey. We stand firmly behind her and wish her strength and healing in the journey ahead.”
Dumke has requested that her privacy be respected in this matter, and no further comment will be made.
