Twelve months ago we shared Rauf’s story about how he had been diagnosed with Leukaemia and was facing a pre-christmas bone marrow transplant operation with his sister flying back from Australia to act as doner.

A GoFund me appeal was generously supported by members to help with all the expense this entailed, this is something Rauf is extremely grateful for and wishes to extend his gratitude to everyone in the club who supported him..

Since then Rauf has been on what can only be described as an incredible journey taking him from his hospital bed to a regular starter for our 2nd XV, all within a matter of months.

We caught up with Rauf this week to get an update on his journey, this is Rauf’s inspirational story in his own words . . . .


Diagnosis and Treatment
In July last year I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy, the worst being the one preceding my stem cell transplant.

My treatment spanned approximately six to seven months spending four to five weeks sometimes six at a time in hospital, which quickly became monotonous. While on treatment, all I could do was focus on rest and try to regain my energy. The effects were varied including fatigue, nausea, pain and moments of loneliness. My immune system was severely compromised after each chemotherapy phase preventing me from leaving my room. Eventually visitors stopped coming, but I understood everyone had their own lives.

I even contracted Covid after my second chemotherapy and to say my consultant was displeased was an understatement. I was unaware of the extent of the danger I was in.

Remission
Now being in remission feels like a positive outcome, but I’m still taking heavy tablets that affect my appetite and cause nausea. They can also be quite taxing on my digestive system, but these are minor inconveniences. I undergo bone marrow biopsies every three months, which are necessary to monitor my condition. I used to have blood tests every fortnight.

Returning to Rugby
Returning to rugby wasn’t a top priority, but it was high on my list. I missed kicking and passing with the lads at training and it’s always been a joyful place for me as I’d be close to many of them. I rejoined just two weeks before the season ended, running for my first time back was draining, both physically and mentally. It was frustrating to realise how fit I was compared to how I felt.  I remember it took me nearly 45 minutes to recover my heart rate and breathing.

My goal this year was to regain some pre-season fitness to potentially start playing matches, which I’ve achieved.  The usual recovery time is one to two years, but I always push myself, even when things are tough. I can be hard on myself for not completing drills or workouts, but my support network reminds me of how far I’ve come, though it’s hard for me to see.

Playing for the seconds
I played my first game for J4s, I only got the last 15 minutes but I felt ready for a full half. That’s what I did in the second game against Navan for the J1s (2nds). I started and played the first 40 minutes, made a few tackles, and it wasn’t too difficult. I could’ve played longer, but for safety reasons, I was taken off. In the next game, I played the last 25 minutes due to a minor quad injury, but I was fine.

The last three games, I’ve played full 80 minutes. I’m still recovering but I’m much further along than I expected. I feel stronger and fitter each week. Yes, my ultimate goal is to play on the AIL side but I’m not putting too much pressure on myself right now.

Rauf Javorov - November 2025


. . . Who is betting against Rauf making Danny Kenny’s match day squad sometime soon. Family is one of our cornerstone Club Values, Rauf is very much part of the Greystones Family supported on his journey on and off the field.