Watch: Christian Lealiifano completes inspirational comeback

There was an emotional return to rugby action for ace Brumbies fly-half Christian Lealiifano during the club’s exhibition match against the Asia Pacific Dragons in Singapore.

Lealiifano, who has been out of action for ten months as he continues his recovery after being diagnosed with leukaemia in August, played a total of 31 minutes in the team’s 61-14 victory at Queenstown Stadium.

The pivot showed some touches of the old magic during his spell on the pitch kicking five conversions for a ten-point contribution signifying another major step towards a full recovery.

Lealiifano was last in competitive action in the club’s Quarter Final match against the Highlanders at GIO Stadium in July 2016 and, whilst getting back into the cut and thrust of the game is a goal, he acknowledges his journey is still continuing.

“It was fantastic to get back onto the field and play some rugby after such a long lay-off,” Lealiifano said. “This is another step in the recovery process and it felt good to be on the field and fully involved again.

“I am concentrating totally on my recovery and my rugby at the moment and my focus is on helping the team and trying to get back to full health and my best as a rugby player.”

“My journey is very much an ongoing process and I am mindful of taking each day as it comes. The Brumbies, as an organisation, have been incredibly supportive towards me and my family and the messages I have received from players, officials and supporters have been overwhelming.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank everybody who has supported me and sent me messages of good will since my diagnosis. I have been truly humbled by the amount of worldwide support I have received and I thank every one of you for that support.”