THERE AREN’T MANY, if any, stories in the rugby world quite as brave as Christian Lealiifano’s.
And yet the Brumbies fly-half, who is about to ply his trade for five months with Ulster, still puts on a smile when he talks about it.
“Really and truly grateful for the opportunity that I get to play rugby again,” is his overall summary of his situation.
Diagnosed with leukaemia in August 2016, the 29-year old would endure a brutal few months. Not only had his fledgling international career now hit the buffers, he would then undergo intense chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant from his younger sister. All thoughts of a return to the rugby pitch he loved to grace were put on hold.
However, slowly but surely, Lealiifano’s condition improved, enough to return to fitness work, then enough to undergo very light training, until eventually the 19-times capped Wallaby was back in full training with his team-mates.
On July 21st 2017 his astounding comeback was complete. Lealiifano came off the bench to a standing ovation, replacing James Dargaville just after half-time in the Brumbies’ 35-16 Super Rugby quarter-final defeat to the Hurricanes.
The Australian didn’t just beat cancer. He kicked it out of the park.
“I lost 14 kilos in 13 days and it was a tough period working back up, getting back to the weight, getting back to full strength and running fitness,” Lealiifano grimaces.
“There’s been a lot of people to thank and credit for that. Being in a (rugby) structure definitely helped with the process.
“It was tough. I look back now and I’m quite proud. It’s hard, you never want to pat yourself on the back or anything, but to think of the journey I’ve had, and being here today, it’s something that I’m truly grateful for.
“There’s other people put the work in, and you owe them to put the work back out if that makes sense. It’s tough but rewarding to be back in a position to be playing rugby.
“All I could do was enjoy each day for what is was, and be positive whatever the day throws at you. You never know, tomorrow could finish you and you’re six feet under.
“That’s my approach. Rugby was the end goal but I wanted to take each day and maximise each day.”
Being grateful for the opportunity to be back on the rugby pitch is something that Leali’ifano, who arrived in Belfast on Wednesday with partner Luga and son Jeremih, repeats – a second chance at a professional career.
But he acknowledges that his priority was never on the rugby side of things, even though he loves the game. Rather, it was his family who remained foremost in his thoughts.
“I said all along my health was number one, just to get back to be a father and a dad to my little boy, that was number one, and being able to play rugby again is an absolute bonus,” he states.
“I’m grateful every day that I get to step out again and do what I love doing while I can, and the opportunity that I have now, really, really stoked.
“I’m humbled that a team still values what I can produce and what I can do, that’s exciting.
“To think that you probably couldn’t play rugby again through that time is definitely hard, and then to be able to come through the other side is truly rewarding. To know you can pull a jersey on again and do some gym work and throw the footy around with the guys is rewarding.”
Not only is Lealiifano unique in the path his rugby career has taken – prior to his cancer battle he was an established Australian international and a co-captain at the Brumbies – but now he’s added a rather unique move to his employment list as well.
While five month deals for Super Rugby players to go to Japan are fairly frequent, a short-term deal in Europe is a rare occurrence as it means Leali’ifano will leave Belfast right in the middle of Ulster’s season after their European pool campaign ends.
But the move was to benefit all parties – the player and the two clubs – and it was a familiar face to patrons of the Kingspan Stadium that would eventually push the move through.
“I was obviously through the recovery process looking at some different options to get some further rugby in,” ‘Leali’ explains. “My agent was a former Ulster player as well, Clinton Schifcofske, so we explored a little bit and got a bit interested in and it was definitely something we wanted to explore.
“Knowing my agent played here and spoke really highly of it, and the history here, it was something I was really interested in. That was a big reason and hopefully bringing this organisation some success as well.”
So a former player pushed the move through, but what are Ulster fans getting from their new man?
“I like to play attacking rugby, like to run the footy a little bit, and then try to be sort of solid in defence and not shy away from the breakdown work as well,” Lealiifano details.
“I’m happy to add some value wherever I can and make the best impact I can. That’s wherever the staff and the team think I can add value. I’m happy to play anywhere but I do prefer a little bit of 10. It’s somewhere I like, directing the team and play the style we want to play.”
And, unsurprisingly for a man who’s been cruelly starved of rugby for the last 12 months, he’s champing at the bit to get onto the pitch and help his adopted province.
“To have this opportunity where all parties were okay with it, I definitely had to jump at it and I’m really excited that I’ve got the opportunity,” he grins.
“I’ve only got five months here so I want to maximise every opportunity I can. Next Friday (against the Cheetahs) is something that I’m aiming for already.”
The Aussie fly-half finishes by quipping he has to get used to the new media faces while he’s here with a wide grin. He hasn’t stopped smiling since he sat down for the interview.
He’s just happy to be here. And even more delighted to be back.
- Originally published at 09.11, 25 August
Great win, terrible game, poor ref. Roll on next weekend
@Liam23: ah twasnt terrible Liam, lots of errors but twas a good watch imho
@Liam23: I watched the Toulouse and the Bordeaux games that day too and I thought the Munster game was by far the best of the 3. Good win too.
Great result. Munster need to hold onto Dian Bleuler, he made a huge difference in an error strewn game. Diarmuid Barron, Hodnett and Tom Ahern need to be starting next week. They are needed to built up a scoreline before the bench comes on. I gather Nankivell will miss next week with his hamstring injury?
@Con Cussed: Bleuler looks like the most solid scrummaging loosehead in Irish rugby. We absolutely need to hold on to him.
@Michael Corkery: What does it take a gofundme or something?
@Con Cussed: IRFU permission I guess.
@Con Cussed: 1000% – backrow should be Ahern , Hodnet and Coombes
No reason to fear Northampton next week. They’re at a similar level to Saracens and ourselves. We made loads of unforced errors (especially our back 3) against Sarries and still won with our defense. If we get the error count down, we can make it a tight game next week. None of EP sides would finish in the top6 in T14.
@Michael Corkery: Be really great to take some revenge, classic Munster win away in the Champions Cup… Need to calm down before I get ahead of myself tho ;)
@Thesaltyurchin: In any case, we’re not playing Toulouse or UBB next week. No need to go there already beaten like last season.
Very frustrating to watch all those handling errors which seem to spread like an epidemic once they start but a great and much needed win for Munster nonetheless. Thought Crowley played well despite a couple of kicking errors….Beirne the heartbeat of the team, was everywhere and fully deserved MOTM….hopefully they can build on this moving forward.
As an aside, Costelloe doing a good job but think this dragging the heels on appointing head coach this far into season cannot have a settling or positive effect on the team. Also think it’s a bit disrespectful to Prendergast to keep him hanging if they don’t intend giving him the top job…
@Dolores Scully: Totally agree. Thought Tom Farrell was immense too between himself and Beirne it was very close. Beirne & Farrell saved the day so many times, unbelievable effort from the guys. It must be doubtful that Prendergast is getting the gig at this stage. Also, I’m not sure the selection for this game was correct. They need a strong team to build a head of steam before bringing the bench on. Ahern was badly missed in the first half.
@Con Cussed: the 2 that were picked ahead of Ahern – Wycherley and ÔDonoghue had good games. The thinking is that Ahern can wreak more havoc coming on when the defense’s are tired I believe. Our bench overall had a great impact which is important in tight games.
@Michael Corkery: Agreed, I was critical of the Wycherly selection but he proved me wrong. That was his best game in a long time. Very physical throughout and commanded the line out brilliantly. He deserves to go again next week with POM coming back in for JOD. I like the impact Ahern and Hodnett bring off the bench together.
Beirne shows why he is one of Ireland’s best again. His range of skills is so wide for a lock which is his USP. He is a fixed item on any timeshheet he is involved with. One of the world’s best and a down to earth guy to boot. Last night wasn’t pretty but with reinforcement through players re-emerging from injury they (Munster) will be harder to beat later in year than the late 24 version.
Great performance , Munster rolled back the years in that second half and their pack stood up to Sarries at crucial times . Hopefully they can replicate it again next week
How important is Hodnett to the team. He is the dog when O’ Mahony is missing.