Christian Lealiifano has revealed he was in talks about a Super Rugby return to the Brumbies when he was approached to lead the new Moana Pasifika franchise in 2022.
Lealiifano told stuff.co.nz on Thursday that Moana Pasifika director of rugby Kevin Senio convinced the Auckland-born former Wallabies rep to knock back the the Canberra club to represent his Samoan heritage in the new team.
The approach clearly appealed to Lealiifano on an emotional level and he said he thought of his parents and grandparents, particularly his late father who passed away in 2006, before he broke into the pro ranks.
“I think, to be able to represent people that got me to where I am now is going to be pretty special,” Lealiifano told Stuff on Thursday.
“I wish my dad was still living today to see this team. He’d be all over it. I’m sure he’d be really proud that I’m going to be involved with something that’s going to have a lot of meaning and purpose.
“He always wanted me to chase my football dream. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of years before my debut for the Brumbies. I carry him with me. He’s with me every day.”
Lealiifano, 34, was confirmed as Moana Pasifika’s first signing with a one-year deal with an option for a second year.
He played 26 Tests for the Wallabies and has been in Japan after 12 seasons and 150 appearances for the Brumbies.
“I’m not as ripped as Quade [Cooper], he’s in pretty good shape that fella,” Lealiifano joked.
“But the body’s holding up OK. Japan was nice, to be able to play that fast style of footy, and not as physical, although it is getting that way now.”
He was also asked about Wallabies coach Dave Rennie’s recent backing of older players to return to add experience to the Wallabies.
“If you’re good enough and you’re playing well enough, I guess I wouldn’t turn it down, but it’s not a priority,” he said.
“If Dave Rennie’s happy with what he’s seeing you never know. Obviously it’s positive when he’s picking Quade and Samu [Kerevi] and some other guys from Europe.
“He’s obviously looking around at some other talent, and you wouldn’t say no. To represent your country is always a massive feat.”
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
pity more with PI heritage don't do it. At the end of their Super Rugby careers they end up in Japan or playing in the semi retirement NH / French comps. Think of how good PI nations would be if more players did this - represent their heritage? Look at what it did for Tonga in the RLWC2017
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
He's only 6 months older than QC who is playing the best rugby he ever has right now. Not totally convinced he's past it.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Two of three, Hansen is heading North to join Connacht under former Brumbies coach Andy Friend.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
No surprise there, the kid has a good rugby brain already.
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Markus are all three X brumbies playing for the force...
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Wow really TJ..awesome :thumbup:
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
JD...now this is not part of the article but I think you mentioned some time ago that you were impressed by Josh flook...guess what...he said on another article when resigning for the reds that he is currently studying the way master Conrad Smith played...
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Thank you MK for the kind gentle words on CLL :happy: ...I guess he still has the desire to be part of the rennievation...
Markus
Roar Rookie
Having lost all three of their reserve flyhalves for next year (Kuenzle, Pasitoa, Hansen) the Brumbies could have done far worse than sign a guy with 150+ games experience and intimately familiar with the team structures, even if past his best.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Brumbies would have been insane to sign him. Time has well and truly passed for him but probably a good publicity signing for Samoa.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Great memory TJ. He's such a nice bloke I'm really happy for him to get this opportunity. Great too, for the Pasifika side to get him. Win win
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Very lucky to have played against him growing up. Stepped me like I wasn't there. Hope he and Moana have a great season next year.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Totally agree JD. It would be great to see other players coming back to play in the comp.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
This is what I was hoping to see, established stars playing up north coming home to be a part of this. Hopefully we'll see more.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Good on you Lealiifano… Your dad is looking down on you smiling with joy and will be so proud, Samoan people will also be so proud of you also. You are a humble human and an inspiration for people going through life threatening conditions. Please write a book as I will purchase it immediately, I can just see you and QC after a game sharing a joke with big smiles. That is if he comes back in time from Japan of course before you retire.