Cape Town - Legendary Springbok lock Frik du Preez received a scare this week after a malignant tumour was detected in his colon.
According to Netwerk24, the 80-year-old Du Preez went for a routine check-up in Pretoria when a scan detected the tumour.
According to Du Preez, more tests were done on Thursday morning and they are now waiting for the final results.
“The surgeon, radiologist and oncologist will get together to determine what route to follow. But it was a massive shock and probably still needs to sink in," said Du Preez.
“The fact of the matter is that it needs to be removed. They have to decide between immediately removing it or opting for radiation to try and shrink the tumour before removing it.
“I am now anxiously waiting on a decision.”
But Du Preez assured that he is in good hands and hopeful that he will fully recover.
“The doctors told me that I can count myself lucky. The tumour has been there for more than a year, but at least there is still a chance to treat it.”
The former Northern Transvaal lock, who was named South Africa’s rugby player of the 20th century, played 38 Tests for the Springboks between 1961 and 1971.