Hong Kong rugby star Tsang Sin-yan feels ‘alive’ after winning return from cancer ordeal
Lock forward inspires Kowloon to comeback win in her first match back, 18 months after being diagnosed with aggressive form of the disease
An emotional Tsang Sin-yan said she felt “alive” on her return to competitive rugby for Kowloon on Saturday, 18 months after the lock forward was diagnosed with cancer.
Hong Kong international Tsang completed 80 minutes as her team staged a stunning late fightback, scoring three unanswered tries to beat Causeway Sandy Bay 41-36 for a first Premiership victory of the season.
After collapsing at home in June 2024, following two months of living with severe chest pain, Tsang was found to be suffering with Stage 1B Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Brushing tears from her eyes minutes after her fairytale return at Aberdeen Sports Ground, Tsang told the Post: “I have come so far to make this happen, I can’t believe it. To be on the field, I feel alive.
“After 1½ years, preparing my game stuff this morning, following my routine … it’s awesome.”
Terry Sibanda, the Kowloon head coach, said he had “mixed feelings” writing Tsang’s name on his teamsheet.