Huxley's inspirational comeback
Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:36
A Brumby Runners side, laden with Super 14 players and inspired by Julian Huxley's return from brain surgery, produced a second half blitz to defeat the Junior Waratahs 36-16 at Knox Grammar School on Sunday.
It was Huxley's first match in almost two years, and after a final medical clearance this week was named late Sunday - along with Huia Edmonds, Guy Shepherdson, Justin Harrison, Tyrone Smith and Matt Toomua who all played in the Brumbies' 24-22 victory over the Sharks in Canberra on Saturday.
The Runners scored two tries to one in the first half through Andrew Smith, however the Junior Tahs took a 16-12 lead into the break courtesy of Brendan McKibbin's accurate boot.
However the visitors applied the blowtorch after half-time with former Waratah Alfi Mafi running in three of the Runners four tries to finish 36-16 victors.
However, the headline news of the match was Huxley, whose career was put on hold two years ago following the discovery of a brain tumour.
The tumour was detected during a routine check after suffering a head knock against the Reds at Canberra Stadium in March 2008.
Since that time Huxley has pursued extensive medical research and testing to obtain the clearance that will allow him to run out for the Brumby Runners against the Junior Waratahs on Sunday.
The process included a sign-off from leading neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo, who gave Huxley "a 100 per cent clearance" to return to competitive rugby.
The 30-year-old has played 53 Super Rugby matches for the Brumbies and Reds and nine Tests for the Wallabies, including three matches during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Huxley says he's looking forward to resuming his rugby career.
"From day one I have wanted to fully explore the possibility of playing again," he said.
"I was determined not to let the difficulty of this task impact upon this desire if and when I decided it was safe.
"The ARU and Brumbies have been incredibly supportive and for that I am thankful.
"I love rugby, and the lessons it taught me had a huge impact on how well I was able to deal with my tumour. Hopefully my return can show people without the benefit of my experiences in rugby, that you can overcome testing times, that it may be hard but not impossible."
Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says the course of obtaining the clearance has been meticulous.
"This is not a decision that's been taken lightly but the medical process and subsequent clearance has been exceptionally thorough," he said. "We've been in constant discussion with Julian, his doctors and neurosurgeons as well as medical staff at Brumbies Rugby and the ARU to make certain that every box has been checked.
"Of critical importance during this lengthy process has been the involvement of Julian's team of physicians that have overseen his surgery and subsequent treatment.
"The final steps of that process have taken place over the past month with a gradual return to full training, including contact sessions."
Brumbies team doctor Angus Bathgate says the decision has been based on a lengthy process involving a number of the country's top medical staff.
"Through consultation and advice we've received from leading neurosurgeons, we're comfortable with Julian returning to play rugby," he said.
"There's evidence of people sustaining concussions and head knocks after having the same surgery in similar sporting endeavours like boxing, ice hockey and American football and continuing on without any ill affects.
"Julian's seen – and we've consulted with – multiple neurosurgeons and the overwhelming verdict is that the risk does not justify him not playing again. The consensus is that the increased risk is very minor and according to leading neurosurgeons, this is an acceptable risk.
"We've been guided by neurosurgeons such as Charlie Teo and his treating surgeon who were fully supportive of Julian returning to play rugby.
"Naturally, we will continue to monitor Julian throughout his playing career but given the advice we've received, this treatment will be no more than precautionary."
Brumbies head coach Andy Friend says Huxley has impressed during his training with the side.
"No-one can question Julian's desire to resume his career," he said. "He's been training on his own throughout the whole process and maintained excellent base strength and fitness to ensure that if and when he received the clearance, that he would be ready to go.
"He's been training with the side for the past two months but has recently graduated to contact training to prove that it is safe for him to commence playing again.
"Having seen him at training, he's still in great shape, he still reads the game very well and his timing and ability to run a line is as good as any player in the group."
The ARU has worked closely with the Brumbies and Huxley's family and advisors to ensure a thorough process was followed before he could be permitted to resume playing.
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