Scottish cancer survivor and his special bond with Vodacom Bulls

From left to right: Wilco Louw, John Whittaker, Gerhard Steenekamp and Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Johan Rynners/Vodacom Bulls

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 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.

“The team found out about it. When the treatment finished and the boys came over to play the Glasgow Warriors last October, I thought it was a great opportunity to go and see them and catch up. That day meant a huge amount to me. The positivity within this group is just immense. Every player I spoke to just kept telling me to be positive. That was the message – keep being you, John. I felt a part of something again. I’d been so isolated. But that day in Glasgow with this team was a big switch for me. It gave me confidence to be around people again. Just being around people who are positive and physically active and want to be the best really helped.”

In his role as a rugby liaison officer for visiting teams to Edinburgh, Whittaker has worked with several big club and international teams over the years. But he points out a distinct difference with the Bulls.

“I think they seem like a family. Everyone cares for everyone. I’ve been around lots of teams but this team are just good human beings who care for each other. You look at people like Embrose Papier, an absolute star of the game and he’s just so down-to-earth. Or Marcell Coetzee, who always has a smile on his face. Or Handré Pollard, a Rugby World Cup winner and he’s just such a good person. Nizaam Carr spent so much time talking to me and sharing with me after my treatment. Kurt-Lee Arendse is also such a nice guy. They’re just so human, and you see that across this whole team.”

So that leaves the big question – who will Whittaker be supporting at Murrayfield this Saturday?

“You know, as a Scotsman I would like the Glasgow Warriors to win,” he says. And then he becomes emotional again.

“But it’s also always nice when your friends win.”

Saturday

SF1: (1) Glasgow Warriors v (4) Vodacom Bulls @ Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh (2.30pm UK/ 3.30pm SA)

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 117th league game)

AR 1: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) AR 2: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU)

TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)

Live on Premier Sports, SuperSport, URC.tv, FloRugby