Wilco Louw, John Whittaker, Gerhard Steenekamp and Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
When the Vodacom Bulls’ Marcell Coetzee asked John Whittaker how he was doing this week, Whittaker’s eyes started to fill with tears.
For the proud Scotsman, this Vodacom Bulls team has been a literal lifesaver for him in his battle with cancer. Since the South African teams entered the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Whittaker has served as the Liaison Officer for the Vodacom Bulls whenever they come to Edinburgh – including this week as they prepare for their semi-final against the Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield on Saturday.
But last year he was given a cancer diagnosis that took him away from his beloved game, and some of the players he’s developed friendships with.
“I was diagnosed with cancer last year and the treatment was pretty brutal. I was isolated for six months. It was a big deal for me. The mental picture for me was difficult. I think every cancer sufferer has the same kind of thing that goes on in their heads,” says Whittaker.
