Cancer survivor Lealiifano back for the Brumbies

Christian Lealiifano in action for the Brumbies during the 2016 Super Rugby quarter-final against the Highlanders. Photo: Dean Lewins/EPA

Christian Lealiifano in action for the Brumbies during the 2016 Super Rugby quarter-final against the Highlanders. Photo: Dean Lewins/EPA

Published Jul 18, 2017

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CANBERRA, Australia - Cancer survivor Christian Lealiifano will make his long-awaited return to Super Rugby for the ACT Brumbies on Friday, nearly a year after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

On Tuesday the Wallaby fly-half, who has been out of action since his diagnosis last August, was named on the bench for the clash against the Wellington Hurricanes in Canberra.

Lealiifano made an emotional return to the sport last month when he appeared in his club's exhibition match against the Asia Pacific Dragons in Singapore.

The 29-year-old kicked five conversions for a 10-point contribution, playing for 30 minutes.

New Zealand-born Lealiifano, who has played 19 Tests for Australia, was diagnosed with the cancer that affects the blood and had a bone-marrow transplant operation after a successful match with his sister.

The team for the quarter-final also features three other changes, following season ending injuries to centre Kyle Godwin and wing Aidan Toua.

Brumbies Team

15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Andrew Smith, 11 James Dargaville, 10 Wharenui Hawera, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Jordan Smiler, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Mann-Rea, 1 Scott Sio. 

Replacements: 16 Robbie Abel, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Les Leuluailii-Makin, 19 Blake Enever, 20 Jarrad Butler, 21 Tomas Cubelli, 22 Jordan Jackson-Hope, 23 Christian Lealiifano.

AFP

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