Huxley vows tumour won't finish career

Wallabies and Brumbies back Julian Huxley is hoping to one day resume his professional playing career despite revealing yesterday he has a brain tumour.

Huxley, 28, was told by doctors of the tumour, which is believed to be benign and in the top of his head, on Monday afternoon after he underwent MRI scans that morning. A Wallabies World Cup squad member last year, Huxley has been referred to a neurosurgeon for further assessment. However, it is believed it is highly likely he will need surgery.

Incredibly, had Huxley not suffered a concussion in the second minute of last Saturday's game against the Reds in Canberra while tackling James Horwill, he would not have had to go to hospital and the tumour may not have been detected. It is too early before anything can be determined about Huxley's playing career that began in 2002 at the Brumbies and continued at the Reds in 2003 until a return to the ACT side last year.

But when Huxley, who recently re-signed with the club for two more years, told teammates and staff of his condition yesterday, he spoke only of being out for this season - not of retirement. In yesterday's Brumbies meeting, Huxley spoke for several minutes - stunning those who listened, and silencing the jovial ambience.

"They had no idea. Normally when someone stands up to speak, it's to say they are getting married or [that their partner] is pregnant," a Brumbies insider told the Syndey Morning Herald yesterday. "It was jovial then very quiet when the realisation of what he was saying started to sink in."

Huxley also impressed the Brumbies gathering with his strength of manner.

"He stood up and really showed great composure as he spoke," the Brumbies insider said. "He told us about the tumour, went straight to the point and more or less said 'that's the end of me for this season'. Then he wished all the guys the best for the rest of the season."

Wallabies breakaway George Smith, acting Brumbies captain in the absence of an injured Stirling Mortlock, then responded.

"George said he knew it was a difficult time for him, but reminded him that he is an important member of the Brumbies family and that the boys would be with him all the way," the Brumbies insider said.

As the meeting broke, the Brumbies went about preparing for Friday's Super 14 derby against the Waratahs at Sydney Football Stadium. But word quickly spread about Huxley's tumour.

After the tackle, Huxley went into convulsions before being taken off field with his neck in a brace. He spent the night at Canberra's Calvary Hospital for observation and was released on Sunday after no muscular or structural damage was found.

But he was instructed to undergo a series of MRI scans on Monday morning for precautionary reasons even though he woke up that morning feeling fine.

In a statement released by the Brumbies, Huxley said: "It was a huge shock when the doctor told me I have a tumour.

"It's obviously been with me for some time and I've never felt any sort of illness. The challenge for me is to get on with gathering the best advice from the specialists and neurosurgeons, dealing with it and recovering as quickly as I can."

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said all the Brumbies were stunned to hear Huxley's news.

"[It] has shaken all of us. He is a great bloke, an important member of the team and Canberra community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Julian and his family. We look forward to his full recovery," Fagan said.

There was also great concern for Huxley's condition among the Waratahs, where many players have played with him at Wallabies, Australia A or Super 14 levels.

"[It has] put a bit of a dampener on things. A lot of guys in Australian rugby ... I played schoolboys with Julian," Sam Harris said. "It is a bit of a reality check. Our thoughts are with him and his family as well."

NSW coach Ewen McKenzie said the one positive news is that the tumour had been detected.

"He is one of the nice guys of the game," McKenzie said.

- © Fairfax NZ News