Wallabies and Brumbies flyhalf Christian Leali’ifano will leave the club to take up a contract in Japan at the end of the 2019 season.

The 31-year-old, who made a remarkable comeback to rugby in 2017 after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016, will then end his 12-year association with the Brumbies.

It comes as a blow to the Canberra club as their captain joins flank David Pocock, who will be retiring from Vodacom Super Rugby, and wing Henry Speight, who will be joining the Reds, in leaving the team. Leali’ifano has played a big role in helping the Brumbies top the Australian conference and qualify for the quarter-finals.

‘This was a difficult decision for me and I would like to thank the Brumbies for their support throughout my time at the club,’ Leali’ifano said.

‘The support that the Canberra public gave me and my family through a difficult time in my life will never be forgotten.

‘I believe this club has a bright future under [coach] Dan [McKellar] and his coaching staff and look forward to following that progress.’

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