Wales rugby player shares the heart-wrenching journey of his career-ending rare cancer diagnosis
In a devastating turn of events, Wales international Ollie Griffiths has bravely come forward to shed light on his battle with a rare form of cancer that ultimately led to the premature end of his rugby career. The shocking news first emerged in December last year, announcing Griffiths’ retirement at the young age of 29 due to ongoing health issues. Prior to this announcement, Griffiths had disclosed his diagnosis of a tumour on his spine, a rare condition known as Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).
Despite undergoing treatment for his health condition, the tumour’s impact on his nerves began to impede his ability to continue playing rugby, forcing him to make the difficult decision to walk away from the sport he loved. Griffiths spoke candidly about his ordeal during an appearance on BBC Scrum V’s The Warm Up, alongside hosts Lauren Jenkins, Jonathan Davies, and Ellis Jenkins.
Reflecting on the past year, Griffiths shared, “It’s been a crazy 12 months. Starting off, I was coming back from an elbow injury… I noticed some nerve pain in my left hamstring. As we know, as rugby players, we’ve got problems with our backs, a bit of nerve referral and stuff. I thought nothing of it, but it gradually got worse.” He then recounted the anxiety-filled period of undergoing tests, waiting for results, and the eventual diagnosis of LCH.
Opening up about the rarity of his condition, Griffiths expressed, “I think it’s about one in two million people that have it, so it’s really rare.” The tumour’s location on his spine explained the nerve issues he experienced while playing rugby. Despite the treatment progressing well and showing positive signs, the lingering nerve damage sealed his decision to retire from professional rugby.
Griffiths, with a tone of gratitude, remarked, “Looking back on the last 12 months, people might think I’m unlucky, whereas really, I feel I am quite lucky… After what I’ve gone through it could’ve been a lot worse.” His perspective on life shifted through the challenging experience, emphasising the importance of health and family above all else.
Addressing the disappointment of ending his rugby career prematurely, Griffiths acknowledged, “It’s disappointing to have had to finish early, but at the end of the day, it’s changed my perspective on a lot of things on what’s really important, which is ultimately your health and your family life.” With 105 appearances for Dragons and one cap for Wales, Griffiths leaves behind a legacy of dedication and resilience on the rugby field.
Looking ahead, Griffiths remains optimistic about his health journey, with regular check-ups scheduled to monitor his progress. Despite the hurdles he’s faced, Griffiths finds solace in his current state of health and is grateful for the support and care he’s received. As he navigates this new chapter post-rugby, Griffiths continues to train and stay active, embodying a spirit of resilience and gratitude.
The story of Ollie Griffiths serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the strength found in overcoming adversities. His unwavering positivity and courage in the face of such a challenging diagnosis are a testament to his character and perseverance. As Griffiths forges ahead on his path of recovery, his story stands as an inspiration to all facing their own battles, highlighting the importance of resilience, gratitude, and cherishing the moments that truly matter.