Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Christian’s so glad to soldier on
ULSTER new boy Christian Lealiifano is eager to light up the Pro14 after surviving some very dark days.
Lealiifano, who has joined the province on a five-month deal until January, recently returned to action after recovering from leukaemia.
The 29-year-old fly-half, who has been capped 19 times by Australia, admits he feared the worst when first diagnosed 12 months ago.
His cancer was declared in remission in February and he made his comeback with the Brumbies in June before agreeing a temporary move to Ulster last week.
Lealiifano said: “As soon as you’re diagnosed you think everything is over, not just your rugby career, so those are tough times.
“The last 12 months have been a big emotional journey for me. My health was number one, getting back to being a dad to my little boy.
“I had lost 14 kilos so it was tough working my way back up to my normal weight and fitness. It’s been tough but rewarding at the same time.
“To be able to play rugby again is a bonus. To step out again and do what I love doing is truly rewarding.”
Asked if battling cancer had altered his perspective on the trials and tribulations of sport, Lealiifano said: “Massively. Rugby is not the be all and end all now.
“Twelve months ago, I was lying in a hospital bed worrying about the next process. I’m truly grateful to be here today and looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Keen to source more game time during the off-season Down Under, a chat with his agent and former Ulster player Clinton Schifcofske paved the way to a move to Belfast.
He said: “My agent spoke really highly of Ulster and the history of the club so it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
“Hopefully, I can bring some experience and attacking flair. I also want to try and direct the team a little bit and help unleash the fantastic backs we have.”
Lealiifano won’t play in tonight’s pre-season friendly at Northampton but hopes to feature against the Cheetahs in Ulster’s opening Pro14 fixture next Friday.
Summer signing John Cooney starts at scrum-half against the Saints, while Marcell Coetzee (inset) is set to return from a knee injury after being named on the bench.