Huxley poised for miraculous return

[mudskipper]

Updated March 3, 2010

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...03/2834829.htm

Julian Huxley was diagnosed with a brain tumour in March 2008, bringing his career to a halt.

Former Brumbies and Wallabies outside back Julian Huxley is bidding for a remarkable comeback to rugby union, two years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Huxley has received a clearance from the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) but several details are yet to be finalised including a medical clearance.

If the paper work can be finalised within the next 48 hours, Huxley could play for the Brumby Runners against the Barbarians on Friday in the curtain raiser to the Brumbies/Lions game at Canberra Stadium.

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan says there are still issues to be resolved.

"There's a lot to work through, the desire is still very strong and burning from his side," he said.

"But we are still yet to provide medical clearance - look that may not happen in time for Friday night.

"This has been going on for some time, but the desire is still there."

Fagan admits the situation thrusts the club into "uncharted territory".

"Julian has received clearance from some neurosurgeons who have supported his return to rugby," he said.

"We've got to continue to tick the boxes. The question is how many there are to tick. Each team we tick one, there appear to be other issues we need to address."

Fagan hopes the lengthy process of negotiating Huxley's return is drawing towards a conclusion.

"We're getting closer, and I'd like to think all things working out well that we may be in a position to provide that clearance and allow Julian to play in the near future," he said.

[palitu]

it would be good to see him return! good luck!

[shasta]

That's one of the best bits of Rugby news in a long time. Good luck.

[Burgs]

Wow, wouldn't that be a nervous changerooms before the comeback?!

[mudskipper]

Yep... He's keen but the risk... jeez

I spoke with him earlier in the year he looked very confident, relaxed and fit. Hux’s loyal Labrador Retriever is a very popular with the guys so I guess Jules gets to hang out with the squad… ... He's a great guy...

He has been training with the squad but not during contract work. Julian is still working as Kicking coach for the team… I wish him the best...

[GIGS20]

That's the only piece of worthwhile news you've posted Mud

Good luck to him! Hope he gets back onto the big stage

[Woody]

You've gotta love stories like this. All the best to him.

[mudskipper]

That's the only piece of worthwhile news you've posted Mud

Good luck to him! Hope he gets back onto the big stage

Zipity... you do set such high standards GIGgles...

---------- Post added at 07:55 ---------- Previous post was Yesterday at 16:33 ----------

Huxley return 'at least a week away'

04 Mar, 2010 08:13 AM

Julian Huxley's miracle comeback to rugby union is imminent but unlikely to be as early as tomorrow night.

There was a chance the 30-year-old could play for the Brumby Runners in a curtain-raiser to the ACT Brumbies' Super14 clash against the Johannesburg Lions at Canberra Stadium.

While that remains a possibility, the medical and legal clearances he still requires mean any possible comeback appears at least another week away.

Huxley, who remains a contracted player at the Brumbies for 2010, has had a strong desire to return to rugby ever since being diagnosed with a brain tumour in March 2008.

He told The Canberra Times last month any chance of a return was ''a bit of a pipedream'' and ''It would be nice, absolutely, but I'm happy, I'm in a good place at the moment, quite happy with life and everything it holds without rugby.''

The Canberra Times understands Huxley, his family and his legal team met last night to see if they could finalise pending medical and legal issues.

While he is physically fit enough to play, Huxley still requires a final medical clearance and for both he and the Brumbies to agree on legal terms related to that medical clearance.

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said there were ''several boxes that still needed to be ticked'' before Huxley could again play rugby.


BRUMBIES
1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma'afu
4. Ben Hand
5. Mark Chisholm
6.Rocky Elsom
7. George Smith
8. Stephen Hoiles C
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Giteau
11.Francis Fainifo
12. Christian Lealiifano
13.Stirling Mortlock
14. Pat McCabe
15.Adam Ashley-Cooper

Reserves: Huia Edmonds, Guy Shepherdson, Justin Harrison, Mitchell Chapman, Patrick Phibbs, Matt Toomua, Tyrone Smith.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news...y/1767140.aspx