Huxley inspired by Brumbies
Inspired: Julian Huxley
The Brumbies may have found inspiration in Julian Huxley's battle with a brain tumour, but their former team-mate says he's found the same in the Super 14 team's refusal to give up in the 2008 season.
Huxley was diagnosed by a routine check after a sickening head knock during the Canberra side's win over the Reds in Round Three and underwent surgery two-and-a-half weeks ago.
The Brumbies have battled a crippling injury crisis for most of this year's campaign but have rallied for upset wins over the highly-rated Blues and Sharks in the past two weeks to keep their semi-finals chances alive.
Asked if he'd found the team's revival inspiring for his own recovery, Huxley said "absolutely".
"It offers a lot of joy in seeing the guys turn around that loss to the Chiefs the week after away to Auckland," he said.
"That was fantastic, the spirit was there for everyone to see and the heart, and then again last week against an undefeated side, second in the comp.
"They came out in the second half and really showed the courage and the passion that I think is unique to the Brumbies.
"It gives you a bit of a shot in the arm.
"I don't know if they'd gain as much inspiration from me, I wouldn't want them to but it's certainly fantastic for me to watch the boys doing well."
Huxley made a rare public appearance at the Australian Rugby Union's announcement of its seven "rugby statesmen" and said he was there to thank the game for the support it had given him.
"I've just gone through all that outpouring of support in the last month and ironically the whole direction of rugby is to take that spirit and ethos of the game as we're moving forward now, so it's coincidental that both messages sort of fit," said Huxley.
Sporting a number one haircut and a large scar across the top of his head, Huxley has already made it back onto the golf course and hasn't given up hope of playing rugby again.
But he has a six-week block of daily radiotherapy beginning in two weeks to deal with first.
"I've got to do the radiation and see how that goes and possibly chemo, I'm not sure, those are the things I need to do before considering rugby," said Huxley.
"Only time will tell. The motivation's there to do it but I'm not going to be stupid about it, that it's going to risk your life or anything. It's not a risk worth taking but I'll stay in rugby in some capacity."