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Exeter Chiefs' Aidon Davis to undergo chemotherapy after cancer diagnosis
By PA
Exeter’s South African forward Aidon Davis has revealed that he is to undergo cancer treatment.
The 29-year-old back-rower has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and will have chemotherapy to treat the disease.
“I’ve recently received the news that I’ve been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” Davis told the official Exeter website.
“While still feeling perfectly fit and healthy, I will have to go through chemotherapy and won’t be fit for selection for the next few months.
“I will continue training as treatment allows and be there for the team, in any way possible.
“Myself and the doctors are very positive about the treatment and the results it will bring.
“I want to thank my wife for being by my side every step of the way, and my family and friends – especially my Chiefs family, the players, coaching staff, medical staff and everyone in the organisation for being there for me, supporting me and being so understanding.”
Davis, who can operate at flanker or number eight, joined Gallagher Premiership club Exeter in March 2022.
He had previously played for the Eastern Province Kings, Southern Kings and Cheetahs in his native South Africa, as well as Toulon and Bayonne in France.
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Obviously, this is a tough time for Aidon and his family.
“But fortunately Aidon was smart enough to get his initial concerns checked with the club’s medical staff which has resulted in a swift diagnosis and therefore early and immediate treatment.
“We at the Chiefs are all right behind him in his fight to get 100 per cent well again and I know Aidon is desperate to continue getting into the club and training and partaking in club activities whenever he can.
“He is an incredibly strong and popular character and I know all our supporters will join myself, the staff and players in supporting him wherever and whenever we can.”
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Latest Comments
Well said. All this rubbish circulating that Richie Mo’unga could not step up to international rugby. He was so dominant for the Crusaders in there 7 title wins . But had to put up with doubting Thomas fickle Foster. The AB’s limited game plan in that time was terrible. Richie Mo’unga is a wonderful 10.
Go to commentsHe does cover them but he's not as good as any of the other specialist backrowers in any of them. He's not as good an 8 as Conan or Doris, he's not as good a flanker as any of the flankers I've mentioned and he's not as good a hybrid as Earl (yet).
At the moment most of his involvements are ball in hand but lightweight test number 8s aren't really a thing and his jackal work isn't test standard yet. I wouldn't put it beyond Pollock to play his way into contention, if anyone could do it, he could but I don't see it personally. If the Lions tour were in 2 years absolutely he'd be there. If Earl gets injured it makes it a lot more likely. I reckon Pollock may get a mid-tour callup. I'm pretty confident he won't go on the first plane though.
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