Breaking Boundaries & Paving the Way for the Next Generation of Women Rugby Players

BREAKING BOUNDARIES & PAVING THE WAY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN RUGBY PLAYERS

LUSANDA DUMKE'S

RISE TO THE PINNACLE

Lusanda Dumke

Author: Sijabulile Ndlovu

The male-dominated world of sports has experienced a significant shift toward gender parity in recent years. Historically monopolised by male athletes, commentators, and male-oriented brands, women’s professional sport is now taking centre stage in the mainstream. With women's sporting competitions commanding bigger audiences, and women-focused sports coverage being on the rise, it is clear that remarkable strides have been made in the industry. Most importantly, women athletes are reaching great milestones in their careers and laying the foundation for future generations.

Springbok Women loose-forward, Lusanda Dumke is paving the way for the next generation of women rugby players one spectacular try at a time. From clinching the prestigious Sports Star of the Year award in the Eastern Cape to donning the national team jersey, Lusanda is well on her way to establishing herself as a pioneer in the evolving sport of women’s rugby. Moreover, the prolific attacker was at the helm of her former side, Border Ladies, when they secured two consecutive IPL (Inter-Provincial League) titles.

Etching her name on rugby’s Hall of Fame, the 26-year-old flanker was announced as co-captain of South Africa’s first professional women’s rugby team known as the Bulls Daisies. Unearthed by the Blue Bulls Company (BBCo), the Bulls Daisies were the first women’s team to be offered professional contracts in the history of local women’s rugby.

To celebrate the wonderful women in South African sports, the Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine crew had a chat with Lusanda Dumke about her journey in rugby, as well as being a woman in the male-dominated sport.

Lusanda Dumke in action playing for The Bulls Daisies

How did your rugby journey begin?

When I moved to East London from my hometown in the Transkei, my late teacher and rugby teacher, Mr Mntusanto introduced me to the sport. He taught me to dispossess opponents by tackling them which helped me become a professional flanker. His enthusiastic approach to coaching the sport made me fall in love with it. I learned many valuable lessons from him that I still implement in my professional career.

Take us through how you started playing the sport professionally.

I started playing rugby as a hobby. However, people kept telling me that I was a talented player and had great potential to play the sport professionally. This motivated me to take my rugby career seriously, which led to me representing South Africa as part of the U18, U20, as well the Springbok Women. My desire to play the sport and reach great heights also led to me playing for the Bulls Daisies, which is the first professional women’s rugby team.

What is your fondest Rugby World Cup experience?

I have had the privilege of participating in many great competitions throughout my career. However, playing against England - the best Women’s rugby team in the world, at the moment has been the biggest highlight of my rugby journey.

Who is Lusanda Dumke outside of rugby? What are your interests and hobbies?

Outside of rugby, I am a free-spirited person with a great sense of humour. I am also family-oriented and enjoy spending time with my loved ones. For leisure, I enjoy indulging in some good old shopping.

What was your reaction to finding out that you would be part of South Africa’s first professional club rugby team?

Being called to be part of the first professional women’s rugby team in South Africa was life-changing. It was a moment of accomplishment, not only for myself but for the next generation of women in rugby as well. I believe that the Bulls’ decision to establish a rugby team is a crucial step towards recognising growing women’s rugby in South Africa.

Women’s rugby is growing across the continent. How do you think women’s rugby can be improved by all stakeholders?

Women’s rugby does not receive enough broadcasting. To grow the sport, I believe that we need to promote more television broadcasting and streaming. This will attract sponsors who will contribute towards women’s rugby financially. Furthermore, establishing more professional rugby teams and giving players contracts will help grow the sport. The reality is that not every professional rugby player will be given the opportunity to play for the national team. Therefore, fairly compensating players at club level is essential.

Which Springbok players’ performances are you looking forward to seeing at the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

I believe that the whole team will deliver a great performance. However, I am really looking forward to seeing spectacular performances from Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi, as well as Kurt Lee Andrise.

Apart from the Springboks, which rugby teams do you think will impress at the upcoming World Cup?

I am looking forward to watching performances from Ireland and France. I believe that these two will impress and surprise the whole world.

Women’s sport is undoubtedly busting through the glass ceiling, breaking boundaries and cutting deep into the psyche of sports enthusiasts across the globe. With that said, future generations of women in sports are bound to reach great heights under the guidance of trailblazers such as Lunsanda Dumke.

Battle of the Captains
Bulls Daisies co-captain, Lusanda Dumke and Sundowns Ladies skipper, Zanele Nhlapo battled it out in a quiz prompting them about each other’s sports!

Football-Related Questions for Lusanda Dumke

How many players are required on the field for a football match?
11 soccer players

Where was the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted?
Australia & New Zealand

Who is Banyana Banyana’s captain?
Refiloe Jane

Which South African football player scored the opening goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup?Simphiwe Tshabalala

What is South Africa’s first-division football league called?
Motsepe Foundation Championship

Rugby-Related Questions for Zanele Nhlapo

How many players are required on the field for a rugby match?
15 players

Where is the 2023 Rugby World Cup being held?
France

Who is the Springbok Women’s captain?
Nolusindiso Booi

Which rugby team did the Springboks face in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final?
England

What is South Africa’s first-division rugby league called?
Curie Cup

Correct Answers

Football

11 players

Australia & New Zealand

Refiloe Jane

Simphiwe Tshabalala

Hollywoodbets Super League

Rugby

15 players

France

Nolusindiso Booi

England

Inter-Provincial League

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