Huxley set for emotional rugby return

Brumbies coach Andy Friend is adamant that former Wallabies utility back Julian Huxley is in line to make a dramatic return to the Super 14 this season.

Almost two years to the day since being diagnosed with a brain tumour, Huxley only needs medical clearance from doctors before being considered once more for the two-time Super champions.

“He’s a contracted player and if he were to get clearance that would be giving him clearance to play at any level,” said Friend.

“It would then come down to form.”

There was talk of Huxley making a return on Friday in a curtain raiser to the Brumbies’ Super 14 clash with the Lions at Canberra Stadium but he has not been able to secure the necessary paperwork.

“It’s always been the case that we needed to get medical clearance in order for Hux to play. He’s been keen to play for some time,” Friend said.

“At this point in time we don’t have that clearance, so at this point in time he won’t be playing.”

Huxley, who has remained contracted to the Brumbies since being diagnosed in March 2008, has been in the gym and working on his fitness for past two months.

“He’s been training really well. He’s been out doing some contact over the past few weeks,” Friend said.

“He’s fit and ready to go.”

On March 4 2008, three days after he was taken to hospital after collapsing and convulsing on field in a match against the Reds, Brumbies officials announced Huxley was suffering from a benign brain tumour.

Huxley, who played 53 Super matches for the Brumbies and Reds, joined the ACT side’s coaching staff as a specialist kicking and skills coach for the 2009 season.

He has scored 270 points in Super rugby and played for the Wallabies three times during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.