KEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - Australia utility back Julian Huxley has been diagnosed with a brain tumour just days after he collapsed during a Super 14 rugby match.
The tumour, believed to be benign, was discovered following a series of scans after Huxley began convulsing while playing for the ACT Brumbies on Saturday.
"It was a huge shock when the doctor told me I have a tumour," Huxley said in a statement on Tuesday.
"It's obviously been with me for some time and I've never felt any sort of illness. The challenge for me now is to get on with gathering the best advice from the specialists and neurosurgeons, dealing with it and recovering as quickly as I can."
ACT Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said the tumour was discovered on the top of Huxley's brain and the 28-year-old had been referred to a neurosurgeon.
"The news has shaken all of us at Brumbies Rugby," Fagan said.
"He is a great bloke and an important member of the team and the Canberra community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Julian and his family and we look forward to his full recovery.
"We appreciate Julian is a popular member of our side and there will be a great deal of public concern about his health.
"We wish him a speedy recovery and will be doing everything in our power to support him and his family through this challenging time."
Huxley was taken to a Canberra hospital in a neck brace after he began convulsing following a tackle on Queensland lock James Horwill in the opening minutes of Saturday's match.
He was kept under observation overnight and released after being cleared of serious problems but he was ordered to undergo further tests.
A fullback or first five-eighth, Huxley has played six tests for Australia since making his debut in 2007.
He was named rookie of the year and was a member of the Wallabies squad at last year's World Cup in France.
- REUTERS
