This is horrible news.
Christian Leali’ifano has been diagnosed with leukaemia after a brief illness.
The New Zealand-born Wallabies international is just 28 years of age and had played 19 test games for Australia since making his debut in 2013 where he shone against the Lions in that series, despite his first game lasting less than a minute.
Brumbies interim chief executive Phil Thomson sent the clubs thoughts and prayers to an “amazing young man”.
“At the moment it’s just a matter of ensuring Christian receives the best care and support he can at this time,” he said.
“He is one of the most respected players within this group and this news has come as a huge shock to all of our players, coaches and staff.
“Everyone knows that Christian is an amazing young man, an important member of this team and of the Canberra community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian and his family at this time.”
NEWS: It is with great sadness that we inform fans that Christian Lealiifano has been diagnosed with Leukaemia. pic.twitter.com/pkr9Fuf2Dk
— ACT Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) August 6, 2016
Some of his Australian team mates and friends heard the news from Rio ahead of the Olympics Rugby Sevens.
The entire community though wasted no time in joining the Brumbies in solidarity to rally behind a fantastic servant of the game.
A fine rugby player, a fine man, a family man whose son son Jeremih was only born in June.
Our thoughts are with Christian and his family at this time #RugbyFamily https://t.co/hyi56u15oa
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) August 6, 2016
Wishing @CLealiifano our very best as he fights this awful illness. Get well soon Christian. #RugbyFamily https://t.co/GBgxmMPWZp
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) August 6, 2016
Really tough 24 hours trying to come to terms with news about Christian. One of the most respected and loved players I've played alongside.
— David Pocock (@DavidPocock) August 6, 2016
Sad news about @CLealiifano thoughts and prayers to you brother. Stay strong and fight through it.
Much love brother!!— Saia & Ant Fainga'a (@FaingaaTwins) August 6, 2016
Bloody sad news about @CLealiifano thoughts and prayers mate. Be strong and fight through it. Family and friends will get you through this.
— Tim Horan (@TimHoran12) August 6, 2016
Devastated of the news of my uce @CLealiifano .. Know that everyone is here for u, praying for u & will support u through this#FCancer 😡😢
— Matt Giteau 🇦🇺 (@giteau_rugby) August 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/jeanpierresmit1/status/761781388462985217
Terrible news @CLealiifano but no doubt you will rise above. We are thinking of you during this tough time 👊🏽 #rugbyfamily
— Jacques Burger (@Nabasboer) August 6, 2016
Thoughts and prayers with Christian Lealiifano – Kia kaha @BrumbiesRugby
— Greg Peters (@GPRUGBYCEO) August 6, 2016
Devastated to hear the news of one of the nicest guys you'll meet. Thinking of you @CLealiifano 🙏
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) August 6, 2016
Love you my brother..😢 @CLealiifano
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) August 6, 2016
Everyone in New Zealand is thinking of you at this difficult time @CLealiifano.
Kia Kaha. https://t.co/355Zz1s2Tq
— Super Rugby NZ (@SuperRugbyNZ) August 6, 2016
Just finished marching in Opening Ceremony & received the news on @CLealiifano. My night doesn't feel so special anymore. Get well Bruz…
— Andy Friend (@andyfriend2011) August 6, 2016
Thoughts & prayers with @CLealiifano Fight hard. Be brave. You'll get through this & be fitter & healthier than ever. xx @BrumbiesRugby 🙏🏻🐴
— Samantha Armytage (@sam_armytage) August 6, 2016
Love and strength to you and your family @CLealiifano In our thoughts my brother ❤️
— Marcel Brache (@brache87) August 6, 2016
Thoughts are with you uso @CLealiifano!!
— Tana Umaga Co-Founder of Viktual+ (@tanaumaga) August 6, 2016
🙏🏽 #MyUso @CLealiifano pic.twitter.com/nbE3a5KcLB
— Ben Tapuai (@benny_taps) August 6, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to one of the most respected and loved players in the #wallabies family, @CLealiifano. pic.twitter.com/sU8PstIovf
— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 6, 2016
The thoughts of the @AllBlacks are with Christian Lealiifano after being diagnosed with Leukaemia.
Kia Kaha. pic.twitter.com/7MCLV0l2n1
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 6, 2016
Kia Kaha. Be strong.
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