THERE were plenty of smiles from the Saltash players as they walked off the pitch on Saturday after securing their first home win of the season against Devonport Services II, but probably the biggest belonged to Danny Snook.
The energetic centre is just delighted to be back playing rugby again after missing a whole year due to serious illness.
Snook was a key member of Saltash’s Counties Two Cornwall 2024-25 title winning team and was just preparing for the club’s first season back in Western West when his world was turned upside down.
Just days before the start of the 2025-26 campaign, Snook was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, and a mass was found in his torso.
“It was a shock and it just all happened at once,” he said.
“I just had one massive mass in the middle of my chest. It wasn’t the most ideal thing!”
On how he dealt with that shocking news, he said: “You kind of just have to get on with it.
“They did say the form I had was the most treatable.
“I just had chemo and I got rid of it in six cycles, which was perfect.”
The centre, who is closing in on his 100th first team appearance for the club, said he was delighted to be back on the field.
“I’m so happy to be back playing,” he said.
“It’s still hard, but it is so nice to be out there.”
He admitted there were a few concerns about returning to action.
“Definitely, CV (cardiovascular) wise,” said Snook. “It’s still not the easiest but it is getting better.
“The physical side isn’t the worry, it’s about getting around the park – but that was always my worry anyway,” he laughed.
“It was frustrating watching last year, but the lads were so supportive about everything.”
Snook is still waiting for his first try since returning. He did come close to scoring on Saturday against Devonport Services II, but he was just stopped short after a good run.
The centre’s return has boosted Saltash, and his story also gives encouragement and hope to other young people who find themselves unexpectedly diagnosed with a serious illness.