England prospect Johnny Williams reveals cancer diagnosis on Instagram

Newcastle Falcons centre Johnny Williams has revealed on Instagram that he has recently finished chemotherapy having been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The 22-year-old said that he has faced a “slight bump in the road” but added that the “road is about to get easier from here” after finishing his last batch of chemotherapy. 

However, he does not reveal on the post how long he has been battling cancer. 

The centre, who played for England earlier this year against the Barbarians, also shared photos of himself in hospital alongside his team-mates, whom he thanked amongst others for being “extremely supportive in these circumstances”=.

Williams is very upbeat in his message, despite what must have been troubling times for him. This was his post: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3XWCXIANkw/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet

He finished his message by saying: “Here’s to getting back fit and healthy and back on that pitch asap.” 

He has not given a timeframe in which he will return to action for the Falcons, but both he and the team will raring to see him back playing. 

Newcastle’s Championship season starts this weekend after being relegated from the Premiership last season, and they will be hoping for the former England under-20 international’s services as soon as possible as they seek to bounce back to the top flight. 

Williams also said that this diagnosis was “a huge surprise and out of nowhere but these things always do and there’s no preparing for it”.

He went on to send a warning to all males: “Lads, please make sure you don’t make the same mistake I did. Regularly check your balls and if you find anything out of the ordinary, swelling or firmness be sure to get checked out by your GP straight away.” 

Jamie Roberts sat down with RugbyPass to talk us through his highs and lows playing in the Rugby World Cup.