Former Highlanders captain Nasi Manu will begin a cycle of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The 30-year-old, who plays for Italian club Benetton Treviso, has been sidelined for the past few months and had an operation in August to remove an abnormal growth.
Thankyou to everyone for the messages of support. Definitely has put a lot of things into perspective. Still a bit of a road to recovery but got the best Italy 🇮🇹 has to offer and I will make a full recovery I’m sure of it! Don’t be embarrassed, check your balls! #BallOut 😂 https://t.co/KYTxVCGA2D
— Nasi Manu (@Nasi_Manu) October 17, 2018
The No 8 had blood tests last week and the club has announced the need for him to now undergo chemotherapy in the next few days.
Manu said in a statement that he was determined to win his battle against cancer and was grateful for the support he has received. “Thanks to my club, from management to teammates, I appreciate all your support,” Manu said.
“Thanks to my wife, my family and friends. I’ll still have to do the last treatments before the fight can be considered over, but I know I’ll succeed and I’ll be back soon,” Manu said.
Manu, who has a young family, also took to Twitter to urge men to check their testicles for anything unusual.