Rugby players who Beat Cancer – and two of them have bounced back to make their respective countries squads for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
1.Nasi Manu
The Tonga international says being at Rugby World Cup 2019 is “emotional and surreal” after his gruelling recovery from testicular cancer. The number eight did not play for his Italian club Benetton Rugby last season after his diagnosis. He had surgery to remove an abnormal growth, then endured months of chemotherapy – but he’ll be in Japan and could start against England on Sunday. INSPIRING!
Nasi Manu recovery on track for England opener https://t.co/LHSSdM07PP
— RNZ Pacific Sport (@RNZISport) September 17, 2019
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No ordinary players: Rugby stars who beat cancer and carried on playing
2. Christian Lealiifano
Being diagnosed with leukaemia wouldn’t be the end for this star. The outside-half or centre had a successful bone marrow transplant in August 2016 and made his comeback with Ulster after being cleared to resume his union career. He’s since refound his best form and will be heading to the World Cup with the Wallabies
Christian Lealiifano scored 11 points in his first Test for three years after being diagnosed with leukaemia in August 2016
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) July 27, 2019
Final score: Australia 16-10 Argentina pic.twitter.com/dK2LWqEwmx
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No ordinary players: Rugby stars who beat cancer and carried on playing
3. Darren Dawidiuk
During pre-season with London Irish in 2016 he began to feel unwell and it was later diagnosed as testicular cancer. He has fought the disease for six months and, on Monday, February 26, 2017 was declared cancer-free. He later signed for Hartpury College.
Darren Dawidiuk interview: London Irish hooker is way ahead of schedule for comeback after testicular cancer, he tells @MickClearyTel https://t.co/rg0kWdGqgE
— Telegraph Rugby (@TelegraphRugby) January 23, 2018