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Benetton's touching gesture for Nasi Manu
Nasi Manu’s Benetton teammates have displayed their support for the inspirational number eight as he battles testicular cancer.
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News of Manu’s diagnosis came in October when he shared an update on social media alerting men to self-check.
Thankyou to everyone for the messages of support. Definitely has put a lot of things into perspective. Still a bit of a road to recovery but got the best Italy ?? has to offer and I will make a full recovery I’m sure of it! Don’t be embarrassed, check your balls! #BallOut ? https://t.co/KYTxVCGA2D
— Nasi Manu (@Nasi_Manu) October 17, 2018
The 30-year-old had an operation at a Treviso hospital in August to remove a growth, and is currently going through chemotherapy sessions.
Benetton posted a video on social media showing the players shaving their heads in support of Manu.
In ogni spogliatoio di rugby prima una partita si parla di amicizia, famiglia e sostegno. Questo gesto è per non lasciare che queste siano solo retorica, ma per dimostrarti che noi siamo con te. @Nasi_Manu
#tisupportiamofinoinfondo #benettonrugby #leoni pic.twitter.com/prXS3oW7hM
— Benetton Rugby ? (@BenettonRugby) December 7, 2018
“In every rugby locker room before a match, we talk about friendship, family and support. This gesture is not to let these be just rhetoric, but to show you that we are with you Nasi Manu,” the club shared in a social media post.
Manu said the gesture brought him to tears.
“Thanks to all of you for the support. When I saw the video I cried, you’re just incredible! Give me the strength to continue on this difficult road. I love you.”
Teammate Alberto De Marchi said the team finally had the chance to
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“The idea came to us spontaneously,” De Marchi explained to Corierre.
“When we heard about Nasi’s disease, we knew there would be times when the chemo was particularly hard to deal with, and so we decided we would all cut off our hair to let him know that we are rooting for him.
“We had planned to shave off our hair straight away. But then, unfortunately, the team was divided – some had international commitments, and others were in South Africa for the matches against Cheetahs and Kings. The distance made it difficult to coordinate everything, so we decided to postpone things until we got back, and that’s what happened.”
The 30-year-old won two Super Rugby titles during his time with the Crusaders and Highlanders.
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