Christian Lealiifano will depart Australian Rugby at the end of the 2019 season, the Brumbies have confirmed.
The 31-year-old, who has been a one club player since he made his debut in Australia, will take up a contract in Japanese rugby.
The news marks the second key departure from Rugby Australia’s ranks in the space of a week, following news Samu Kerevi had signed a three-year deal with Japanese club Suntory last week.
Both Lealiifano and Kerevi have been included in the Wallabies Rugby World Cup training squad.
“This was a difficult decision for me and I would like to thank the Brumbies for their support throughout my time at the club,” Lealiifano said.
“The Brumbies mean a lot to me and my family, and they have given me so much.
“I leave with many amazing memories and friendships which I will cherish.
“I believe this club has a bright future under Dan and his coaching staff and look forward to following that progress.
“We still have much to play for this season as well, starting with our quarter-final against the Sharks on Saturday evening, and I am fully focused on doing my best to help us reach the next stage.”
The news strikes another hammer blow for the finals-bound Brumbies, who are also set to lose David Pocock, Henry Speight, Sam Carter and Rory Arnold after this season.
Lealiifano has spent 12 years with the Brumbies, having made his debut with the club in 2008 and has since made 148 appearances for the Canberra-based outfit, captaining on 46 occasions. It makes him the third-most capped skipper in Brumbies history.
Coach Dan McKellar said it was a shame to lose the fly-half.
“We are sad to see Christian move on but we are very grateful to have had such a quality person at our club for so long,” McKellar said.
“Christian has been a huge part of the Brumbies for 12 years now. His contribution both on field and off field have been enormous.
“Christian the player, has been so important for us, his fearlessness, his direction, his leadership, particularly this year. He’s grown so much as a leader in my time here, but Christian the person is what makes him who he is.
“You will not meet a more selfless person then Christian Lealiifano. To go through what he went through, and to comeback and still find time to lead and care for those around him, to be there for his teammates, he’s an incredible person. He should be very proud of the legacy he leaves at the Brumbies.”
The Brumbies will begin their finals campaign against the Sharks on Saturday evening, with the club winning a home quarter-final after topping the Australian conference.
It could turn out to be Lealiifano’s final home game for the Brumbies though, with the Crusaders and Jaguares taking the top two spots and being in line to host semi-finals should they win this weekend.
Tom G
Guest
If not for his career being so disrupted by critical health issues just as he was on the rise this guy could’ve been anything. Good luck to him... he genuinely deserves it
Jack
Guest
The Brumbies struggle to keep players partly because they play less tests, not being as good as Tah players on large ARU contracts. Henry Speight, Sam Carter and Rory Arnold are obviously less well performed players than those in the Tahs and Rebels. Don't you agree Michael.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Shame. A great player and person. Always sad when a player with his rich rugby history is lost. Can only wish him the best. Safe travels Christian. Privileged to have had the opportunity to see your performances and the grace with which you have tackled setbacks.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Yep, well said! He deserves what he can get!
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Good on him! After his fight with Leukemia he has to look after himself and his family and he’s so lucky he can get another contract to do that! I’m sad he’s leaving Auz but happy with the team he chose here in Japan, because they train in my town of Aoshima Miyazaki. My 13 year old rugby loving son is stoked!
RobC
Roar Guru
Shot from grassy knoll
RobC
Roar Guru
He is a good Christian Amazing player. Full of skill and grace It’s a miracle hes still playing after his battle with C (not Cheika)
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Icy watt ewe did their.
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
It's only because now Australia desperately kneads a knew 10
Bobby
Roar Rookie
One of the genuine "nice" guys of our sport.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Well said Bobby....apparently he was negotiating an extension when the offer he couldn’t ignore arrived. I’m Brumbies through and through, but if anyone deserves a payday, Christian does. Thank you CLL.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Kiwikrs, now you’re just being a negative knelly.
ScrumStability
Roar Rookie
Yet another vote of no confidence in Aus Rugby. All the best Christian for the future mate. Your skill and courage are an inspiration.
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
The grassy knoll where presidents go to die, not to be confused with the death knoll where national teams go to die
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
Grassy knoll ?
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
Touché :D
PeterK
Roar Guru
or even the death knell
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
After a two year period where I had little chance to see Super Rugby, when I started watching again in 2012 he really stood out as a big talent, along with Toomua. Seems a really decent team man and I will greatly miss him. Pity he couldn't have been kidnapped and made to wear Maroon/Red, the colour of the best and truest! All the best, CLL.
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
Could this he the death knoll for Australian rugby?
Rugbyrah
Roar Rookie
Is anyone sticking around for next year?