Williams back after cancer treatment

England international Johnny Williams has made a successful return to rugby just four months after undergoing treatment for cancer.

The 23-year-old Newcastle centre played the first half of a 31-5 win as a Falcons XV beat Watsonians in Melrose yesterday.

Williams, who scored a try on his England debut against the Barbarians last year, was in line for a possible place at the World Cup, before being diagnosed with testicular cancer during the English summer.

But after his final round of chemotherapy treatment, the former London Irish and England Under-20s rep swiftly returned to Newcastle training in November, with a gradual build-up to taking the field again.

‘‘I’ve come a long way since the summer when I was diagnosed, and it’s great to be back playing some competitive rugby again and be back with the Falcons boys,’’ he said after his first hitout back.

‘‘The old lungs were tested today, as I knew they would be, but I only played a half and it wasn’t too bad.

‘‘My running load and gym load was managed carefully, and then reached a point where I could join in with the rest of the team training.

‘‘The next step will be getting 80 minutes or thereabouts under my belt, but until that happens I’ll just keep training hard and trying to push my case for selection.’’

Williams said he was very thankful to the countless messages of support which had come his way since news of his cancer had become public.

‘‘I read every single one of them, and it really does mean a lot to know I’ve got so many people out there backing me and wishing me all the best.’’