Breast cancer survivor makes ‘incredible’ return to SVNS Series in Perth

There are plenty of moments every year that remind us all that rugby is more than just a sport. With breast cancer survivor Raquel Kochhann returning to the SVNS Series in Perth, this is one of those stories.

Kochhann, who helped Brazil qualify for last year’s Rugby Sevens World Cup with a win at the South American Championships in 2021, isn’t just a rugby player – she’s an inspiration to many.

The Brazilian suffered a devastating knee injury almost two years ago during a 28-point loss to England at the Toulouse Sevens in May 2022.

As the two-time Olympian was recovering from that injury, Kochhann was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy, the cancer is now under control.

Kochhann was officially named as part of Brazil’s sevens squad for the Perth SVNS earlier this week, which allowed the experienced star to return to international rugby sevens for the first time in 20 months.

For a woman who’s dreamt of wearing “the yellow jersey” since she was “a little child,” the opportunity to represent Brazil again was an emotional millstone.

With the No. 10 on her back, Kochhann let out a smile after being called into the game from the bench to return to the SVNS Series on Australia’s west coast.

“It’s really exciting to be here again. It was a long time so two years out. Now to be here again with my teammates, enjoying every game, every moment, it’s incredible,” Kochhann told RugbyPass and Nine’s Wide World of Sports.

“It’s hard to explain in words.

“The first time, it’s hard to say because I had a lot of people supporting me,” she added.

“The feeling was that I need to do my best and I can do my best, not just for me but for everyone that’s supporting me.”

Kochhann, who reportedly never stopped training with her Brazil teammates, couldn’t stop smiling as she walked off the field on Friday.

The team may have lost to Fiji and France – who are both among the best teams in the world – on the opening day under the Australian sun, but this is about more than rugby.

This is a moment that transcends all of sport.

“I think everyone that has a dream or wants something, (they can) fight for that. It’s possible,” Kochhann said.

“Have nothing that… you can’t achieve. Everything you really want, you can be there.”