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Christian Lealiifano, who has represented Australia as a member of the Wallabies and currently plays for the Brumbies in Super Rugby, has been diagnosed with Leukaemia.
The Brumbies confirmed the diagnosis via their club website on Saturday morning, issuing a short statement:
“Following a brief illness, investigations have indicated that Christian Lealiifano has been diagnosed with Leukaemia and is currently in hospital for further management.
“Brumbies interim Chief Executive, Phil Thomson, said it was too early at this stage to comment much further.
“”At the moment it’s just a matter of ensuring Christian receives the best care and support he can at this time,” Thomson 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.”
“The Aquis Brumbies ask that the Lealiifano family’s privacy is respected and no more comments will be made at this time.”
The ARU also released a statement:
“Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver has offered the following words of support on behalf of the ARU after learning of Wallabies back Christian Leali’ifano’s leukaemia diagnosis.
“Pulver is in Rio ahead of the Australian Sevens teams’ debut in the Olympic Games.
““We were shocked to receive the news of Christian’s diagnosis yesterday and our thoughts are firmly with him as he begins his treatment.
““Anyone who has ever had any involvement with Christian knows he is an outstanding young man, as well as being an exceptionally talented Rugby player, and the ARU will do whatever it can to support Christian and his family now and throughout his treatment.
““I know that everyone involved in our game will rally behind Christian and his Wallabies and Brumbies teammates through this difficult time.””
Lealiifano has played 117 matches for the Brumbies, and appeared in 19 Tests for the Wallabies. The 28-year-old’s first child was born earlier this year.
The Roar wishes Christian a speedy recovery.
NEWS: It is with great sadness that we inform fans that Christian Lealiifano has been diagnosed with Leukaemia. pic.twitter.com/pkr9Fuf2Dk
— Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) August 6, 2016
The Brumbies primary concern is for Christian’s health and any further updates on his progress will come via the club and with his approval.
— Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) August 6, 2016
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.