Rugby Manu battling cancer

Former Highlanders captain Nasi Manu will begin a cycle of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The 30-yearold, who plays for Italian club Benetton Treviso, has been sidelined for the past few months and had an operation in August to remove an abnormal growth. The club has announced the No 8 now needs to undergo chemotherapy in the next few days. Manu said in a statement that he was determined to win his battle against cancer and was grateful for the support he has received. ‘‘Thanks to my club, from management to team-mates, I appreciate all your support,’’ Manu said. ‘‘Thanks to my wife, my family and friends. I’ll still have to do the last treatments before the fight can be considered over, but I know I’ll succeed and I’ll be back soon.’’