Christian Lealiifano was awarded the Brumbies’ top gong on an emotional club awards night on Friday.
The Brumbies captain took out the Brett Robinson Medal on the awards night and a standing ovation for the 28-year-old showed the esteem in which he is held by the wider rugby community.
Lealiifano has been discharged from hospital and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant as he continues a battle with leukaemia.
The flyhalf also took out the Best Back award for the fourth time in five years, after leading the way for his side in their run to a quarter-final.
“Christian had an outstanding season and claiming these awards is a great reflection of the effort he put in for the club all year,” said Brumbies Interim Chief Executive Phil Thomson.
Congratulations to @CLealiifano on being named the Brett Robinson Players' Player Award winner for 2016. pic.twitter.com/eKq3LFjigc
— Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) September 2, 2016
“On the field he was an outstanding leader and that was a reflection of his efforts off the field both at training and in the community.
“Being voted as players’ player is the highest honour you can receive and there were a number of players in the running for this award this year, so it just shows you how highly regarded Christian’s performances were for the side.
“It’s obviously quite an emotional period for Christian and his family right now and he is honoured and humbled to receive these awards at this time.”
In other awards, Sam Carter took out the best forward gong, while Scott Fardy was voted Stallion of the Year, as the members’ player of the season.
Tom Staniforth capped off his breakout year, claiming the Shawn MacKay Most Outstanding Young Talent Award, while Robbie Abel took out the Community Player of the Year gong.
