Ex-Harbour back Todd faces up to cancer fight

Former North Harbour player Robert Todd, who has earned his corn in the English Premiership for the lion's share of the professional era, has skin cancer.

His condition, recently diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, is causing serious concern at his club, Sale, with whom he has been negotiating a new contract.

The 35-year-old, who played 23 games for Harbour in the NPC up to 1996 and is now renowned throughout the elite end of the English game for his intense physical play, is the victim of a freakish set of circumstances.

A malignant growth developed on his arm after he split open an old scar while playing for Sale 18 months ago.

The growth has now been removed, but Todd lost a good deal of muscle tissue as a result of the surgery and has still to regain full use of his arm.

In addition, specialists have identified nodules on his lymph glands and lungs and are currently attempting to establish if, and how far, the cancer has spread.

"I've had great support from around the clubs," Todd said yesterday. "I am humbled by the calls and texts I have received from other players, partners and supporters.

"This is just a curve ball that God sometimes throws you; luckily I have good skills when it comes to balls. I know I can beat this."

He identified his former London Irish colleague Jarrod Cunningham, currently fighting a form of motor neurone disease, as an inspiration.

"The future is uncertain, but nothing in comparison to what my friend Jarrod has overcome," he added.

If he has his way, Todd will be at Edgeley Park on Monday week for Sale's Premiership semifinal against either Gloucester or Wasps.

- INDEPENDENT