Richmond senior development coach and former Port Adelaide AFL premiership-winning mentor Mark Williams has been diagnosed with lymphoma.

In a statement, the Tigers said 56-year-old “Choco” Williams would begin treatment shortly, while continuing to carry out his coaching role at the club.

“As we always do at Richmond, we’ll support Mark and his family during this time,” said Dan Richardson, general manager of football.

The statement said Williams, his wife Pauline and their family wished to thank in advance the Richmond football club and wider AFL community for their understanding, best wishes and support during this time.

The Tigers said Williams would not make any further comment during this time and the club asked that his privacy and that of his family be respected.

He coached at Greater Western Sydney before moving to Richmond to work with head coach Damien Hardwick.

Williams is a former Collingwood captain and Brisbane Bears player.