ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Monday Apr 5, 2010

Julian Huxley's incredible comeback after brain tumour forced him to quit

Julian Huxley's incredible comeback after brain tumour forced him to quit

Julian Huxley made a remarkable comeback for the Brumbies in the Super 14 last weekend, just two years after he took a knock to the head that left him convulsing on the floor against the Reds. Routine scans later revealed that he had a brain tumour, placing both his life, and his rugby career, under threat.

It was March 2008 when we first reported on the story, which has now become something of sporting legend. Huxley has made a full recovery, and actually took to the field against the Chiefs in Canberra just 11 minutes into the match.

His shock return to the game has baffled fans around the world, many of whom will remember the moment they first heard about the incident and the news that the Wallaby back would have to quit the game immediately to undergo surgery for the life threatening ailment.

The benign tumour was removed, with chemotherapy and a lot of hard work following that, but Huxley was determined to stare into the eyes of his own mortality. He refused to give up despite many accepting that his rugby career was over at the age of 28.

“It was something I always thought I could do but didn’t know if it would happen,” Huxley said.

“There were certainly a lot of people who said, ‘maybe it’s time to move on’ but it was never based around any sort of fact with regards to the safety of it.

“Life’s too short to worry too much about the future and you have to do what you want to do today, within reason.”

He only received clearance to play three weeks ago, and after two good performances for the Brumbies reserves sides, is now back in the mix with top flight rugby.

While his return was anything but flash, he had a solid game and all things considered, it was incredible to see him out there playing again.

“It’s always harder, a bit more nerve-racking to come off the bench, not knowing when you will. It is better to run out,” Huxley said.

“Once you get out there you are fine and you get your first touch, but it was surprising to get on that early. It felt pretty normal. It’s funny. I didn’t know what to expect, but I guess the old pathways click in and it felt like I was doing what I’ve always done. It was surprisingly comfortable out there,” he added.

The mother of all comebacks continues next weekend as Huxley will start for the Brumbies when they meet the Cheetahs in round nine. He is expected to be selected at fullback, with Adam Ashley-Cooper moving to the wing to accommodate him.

This clip takes you through the moment of Huxleys return, has a bit of him in action, and then includes an interview with the humble man as he talks about his return, somehow managing to downplay the significance of his return.

Time: 04:40
ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Foster stages assault on World Rugby headquarters...

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Pat Lambie sinks 55-metre kick to beat the...

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Rugby X - The fastest ever variation of Rugby...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 64 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All