ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has backed flyhalf Christian Lealiifano to hit the ground running when he returns from a stint with Northern Irish giants Ulster in his comeback from leukaemia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lealiifano is making a temporary move to Ireland in a bid to get professional game time and continue his journey after going into remission.
The 29-year-old is in line to start the Pro 14 season on September 1 after finalising a deal with the Brumbies, Ulster and the ARU.
The inspirational leader was diagnosed with leukaemia 12 months ago and his rugby career was nearly over but now he's packing his bags to take the next step in his career.
He made a shock return in the Super Rugby finals series and now Lealiifano is preparing to get some valuable minutes under his belt in Europe with the Brumbies' blessing.
McKellar is keen to see Lealiifano write the next chapter in his remarkable comeback story abroad before he returns to Canberra in January.
"He's had a bit of time this year with us which is remarkable considering where he's come from," McKellar said.
"I think it's just an opportunity for Christian to get away and play rugby at a very high standard, at a good competition for a good club.
"The reality is he is back fit and healthy, he played 30 minutes in Singapore and 40 minutes in a quarter-final.
"We just felt we needed to get some more game time into him but also felt a new experience, new environment, new culture for him and his family to enjoy was something he was denied last year when he couldn't go to Japan.
"This experience allows them to go away and have some time to themselves, and at the same time play some good rugby.
"He's grateful for the opportunity, he's grateful for the support he's received off the Brumbies, and he's excited."
Lealiifano will return to Brumbies camp in January when McKellar welcomes back his Wallabies representatives from their off-season break.
The inspirational co-captain is set to be joined in ACT colours by superstar flanker David Pocock, who will return from a 12-month sabbatical.
The presence of Lealiifano, Pocock and co-skipper Sam Carter will give the Brumbies valuable leadership in McKellar's first year in charge of a Super Rugby franchise.
The Brumbies have made the finals five years in a row and a stint overseas will be invaluable as Lealiifano looks to help the Brumbies to a third championship.
"Having missed almost an entire season whilst recovering, I feel that it's important that I get some minutes playing competitive rugby ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season and Ulster have provided a great environment for me to do that," Lealiifano said.
"They are a well-respected club and are genuine challengers for the PRO14 title. I have heard good things about the set-up there and am looking forward to working with the Ulster coaching team and squad.
"With this opportunity, I feel I can come back to the Brumbies in great shape ahead of the build-up to the new Super Rugby season. Dan and the Brumbies staff have been very supportive of this idea and I am excited by the challenges that lay ahead."
The Brumbies are poised to re-sign 32-year-old centre Andrew Smith on a one-year deal on Tuesday morning as the roster edges towards its final form.
McKellar still has a few contracts up his sleeve with Western Force players set to spill onto the open market after their club was cut from the Super Rugby competition.
