Hong Kong Sevens: every game a blessing for Brazil star Kochhann after breast cancer battle
- Raquel Kochhann only returned to the sport in January after almost two years out
- The 31-year-old spent time training with teammates as she underwent treatment and praised the bond they have
Brazil’s performances at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens were nothing if not underwhelming, but any time on the pitch for Raquel Kochhann was a blessing.
The 31-year-old only returned to the sport in January, after spending almost two years fighting and beating breast cancer.
While Brazil’s 14-5 loss to Great Britain in the ninth place play-off left them further adrift of the safety of the top eight, Kochhann said every game “was an inspiration, not just in life but for everything”.
“Rugby needs all of you, you need to be strong, fast and have good energy, so for me to be here, it’s such a big thing not just because of the cancer, but because I’m able to be a rugby player,” she said.
The two-time Olympian pulled on the gold jersey for the first time in 20 months in January, when Brazil went to Perth for the third leg of the HSBC SVSN Series.
She had not appeared for her country since May 2022, when she suffered a knee injury during a 31-7 defeat to England. It was during her recovery she was diagnosed with cancer.
