Caelib Edwards (21) was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer named Ewing’s Sarcoma in April last year.
He underwent chemotherapy and completed his last treatment in February.
While Mr Edwards was still keen on being involved with rugby, recovering from the cancer meant he would be unable to play for the Kaitangata-based Crescent premier rugby team.
When Mr Edwards learned the club was on the lookout for a new under-11 coach, he put his hand up.
Coaching was something different for him to do but a way for him to remain involved with the sport.
"I thought I’ll give back to the club a bit because they helped me out last year."
Mr Edwards had played rugby since he was a young child and loved it all his life.
He believed he would be able to help out by giving the children "a bit of a run around".
Using drills he picked up from his time playing rugby, Mr Edwards took the excited group of children in their first practice last night. The past year had been pretty slow but he had a lot of support.
Last year, the Crescent premier players shaved their heads in solidarity to support Mr Edwards, who lost his hair due to treatment.
"I couldn’t believe it because I didn’t know about it until after they’d done it, then they sent me a photo ... and it meant heaps."
He was not sure if he would play for Crescent in the future.
"I’m a bit nervous to ask the surgeon about that but we’ll see what happens."
Crescent Rugby Club junior organiser Shelley Maguire said it was awesome Mr Edwards had offered to coach the young team.
"I actually cried when I got the message, I was so rapt."
Mr Edwards was volunteering his own time to the club and Mrs Maguire hoped the group of under-11s appreciated what he was giving up.
"We want the kids to know how special he is. He’s amazing."
Without Mr Edwards’ volunteering, there was a possibility there would not have been an under-11 team for Crescent this year.
