Rees's battle with big C continues

Cardiff Blues captain and former Welsh skipper Matthew Rees is continuing his battle with cancer.

Both the Blues and the player's management company confirmed that he is to have "extensive treatment" for testicular cancer.

It was revealed that the additional treatment will extend his time away from the game.

The region announced last month that Rees was to have an enforced spell away from the game.

The Blues confirmed that Rees will commence further treatment at Velindre Hospital, Cardiff from next week as he targets a return to playing in the future.

"The region will continue to support Matthew and his family in every way possible throughout this period and we look forward to his return to rugby in the future," the club's statement said.

"Matt Rees is currently battling against testicular cancer," an ABC management statement said.

Appealing for charity donations for the cancer centre, the management company added: "We would be grateful for any support that you could give to Matt during this difficult time and are aiming to reach out to everyone who has played with or against, supported or knows Matt."

Rees, who has won 58 caps, made his Wales debut in 2005 and became a British and Irish Lions Test player on the 2009 South Africa tour.

He skippered Wales during the 2011 Six Nations Championship, but missed the World Cup in New Zealand later that year due to a neck injury.