Latest news with #SARugbyWomen'sPlayeroftheYear
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springbok women's star withdraws from rugby due to health on eve of World Cup
The former SA Rugby Women's Player of the Year has asked for privacy around her decision. Lusanda Dumke will miss out on this year's Women's Rugby World Cup in England after failing to recover from a health condition. SA Rugby announced on Thursday that the Springbok flanker and Bulls Daisies captain will take time away from the game. While her medical condition has not been disclosed, she has asked for privacy. The 28-year-old, 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 was 'pivotal' for Bok women 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,' he said. 'Her absence will have an impact, but at the same time, the players going to the Rugby World Cup will know that playing for your country while you are fit and strong is indeed a privilege.' Dumke is a previous winner of the SA Rugby Women's Player of the Year award, and her leadership and resilience left a lasting mark on both the Bok women and the Bulls Daisies. Thando Manana, executive for women's rugby and strategic projects at the Blue Bulls Company, 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.' The Springbok women kick off their World Cup against Brazil on 24 August before tough fixtures against Italy (seventh) and France (fourth) in the following weeks.
The South African
4 days ago
- Health
- The South African
Springbok steps away from rugby due to health concerns
Springbok Women 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 Isuzu Bulls Daisies to their third consecutive Women's Premier Division title in 2025. 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 Rugby World Cup will know that playing for your country while you are fit and strong is indeed a privilege.' Dumke is a previous winner of the SA Rugby Women's Player of the Year award, and her leadership and resilience left a lasting mark on both the Bok Women and the Isuzu Bulls Daisies. Thando Manana, executive for women's rugby and strategic projects at the Blue Bulls Company, said: 'Lusanda has been more than just a captain, she's been the heartbeat of the Isuzu 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. By leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
24-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Vaina Ubisi set to start against Black Ferns XV as Springbok Women shuffle their pack again
Vainah Ubisi is back to marshall the Springbok Women's lineout againt the Black Ferns XV on Saturday. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The Springbok Women's Rugby World Cup preparations have received a significant boost with star lock forward Vainah Ubisi set to start in Saturday's clash against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium. Ubisi, who was nominated for SA Rugby Women's Player of the Year last year, is making her comeback from a long-term knee injury. 'It's a big boost having Vaina back. Quite excited for her,' assistant coach Franzel September said on Thursday. 'I think Vaina has been part of the prep from June, I think, at Sass, with the group that stayed behind. So she was in and out with the group. So, I can't wait to see her go on Saturday.' The 22-year-old is one of a raft of changes coach De Bruin has made to the team that played in the last fixture against Canada in Gqeberha as he continues to experiment with combinations ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup in England next month. Babalwa Latsha will lead the #BokWomen in the first clash against the Blacks Ferns XV in Cape Town on Saturday as Swys de Bruin made a number of changes to the team - more here: 👊#MakeItCount #PlusOne — SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) July 24, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Captain Babalwa Latsha is one of only four starters in the pack that will wear the same jersey again with De Bruin making numerous changes to his backline. The much-expected half-pairing of Nadine Roos and Eloise Webb, who finished the Canada match at scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively, moving back to the regular positions. Roos will slot in at fullback, while Webb has moved back to outside centre. Only Jakkie Cilliers starts in the same position she did in Pretoria and Gqeberha with Tayla Kinsey and Libbie Janse van Rensburg combining as the halfback pairing. Maceala Samboya is back at left wing, having last played there against England U20 during their tour to France and Spain in April. De Bruin said some of the changes were pre-determined, while pointing out that Nolusindiso Booi, Sizophila Solontsi, Danelle Lochner, Byrhandré Dolf and Ayanda Malinga are all recovering from niggles following the Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 'We wanted to make sure that everyone in the assembled group gets game time, while we also have the luxury of another match next weekend, where those with niggles can get a run as well,' said De Bruin. 'We have made good strides this far and we are improving. The Black Ferns XV will be tough opponents, but that is why we wanted them here. 'We don't play against the top sides enough, so like we were against Canada, we will be tested in numerous areas of the game. The coaching staff are keen to see how this group of players respond to the challenges that the New Zealand side will bring.' Among the forwards Aseza Hele will again wear her regular No 8 jersey, but she will be joined by flanks Lerato Makua and Faith Tshauke in a new-look loose trio. Makua played off the bench in both Tests against Canada, while Tshauke's last test match was also in Madagascar. Springbok Women's team to face the Black Ferns XV in Cape Town: 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb (vice-captain), 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Maceala Samboya, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Faith Tshauke, 5 Anathi Qolo, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (captain), 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Bench: 16 Roseline Botes, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 20 Catha Jacobs, 21 Mary Zulu, 22 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 23 Zintle Mpupha.
