Huxley makes victorious return to rugby

Brumbies fullback Julian Huxley received clearance to return to playing rugby and immediately returned for the Brumby Runners.

Huxley's return to fitness 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 Queensland 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.

"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.

"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.