Wallabies make trip to see Lealiifano

Wed, Aug 10, 2016, 5:54 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Christian Lealifano is a much-loved member of the Wallabies squad. Photo: Getty Images
Christian Lealifano is a much-loved member of the Wallabies squad. Photo: Getty Images

The Wallabies have rallied around sick teammate Christian Lealiifano, with players using their day off to visit the Brumbies captain in hospital.

A handful of the current squad visited Lealiifano over the weekend, in the days following his diagnosis and with a day off training on Wednesday, a group of players took the time to travel to Canberra to see him.

Matt Toomua, Israel Folau, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa visited Christian Lealiifano in hospital. Photo: Instagram.Allan Alaalatoa, Matt Toomua, Israel Folau and Scott Sio all made their way down to the nation’s capital, posting Instagram pictures of support for their friend.

“Awesome to see the uso @christianlealiifano in great spirits!!,” Sio wrote.

“Great to catch up on who he is going and to hear about all the love and support thrown his way worldwide #globalfamily.”


Folau posted a picture with Lealifano and his recently born sorn, Jeremih, writing: “So good to catch up with my brother @christianlealiifano and to see him in good spirits! All love to you and the little man J.I.L Always thinking of you! Love you my brother!🙏 #brothersforlife


News of Lealiifano’s diagnosis broke on Saturday and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika and the Wallabies have offered whatever support they can give.

Wallabies captain Stephen Moore said on Monday that the team would support each other and Lealiifano through his fight.

“I think when someone goes through this type of thing I think it's important for everyone to get around them and that's going to continue right throughout however long this takes for him to shake,” he said.

“We're really behind him 100% and we're there for him all the time.

“Different people handle it differently and once again being part of a team you have that support network around you and we know that Christian's been a great friend and a great teammate for all of us here.

“We're travelling the entire journey with him.”

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