Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano could be off to Japan at the end of 2018, but that doesn't necessarily spell the end of his Super Rugby days.
Top League side Toyota Industries Shuttles announced Lealiifano as a 2018-19 squad member overnight.
Though Brumbies officials said Lealiifano was yet to officially sign with the Japanese side, it is a negotiation separate to that of an Australian deal.
Lealiifano is off-contract this season, but could yet ink a flexible contract with the Brumbies, that would allow him to play in Australia and Japan.
The 30-year-old had signed a similar contract at the start of 2016, planning to head to Suntory in the offseasons, before a leukaemia diagnosis prevented him from fulfilling that part of the deal.
Speaking to RUGBY.com.au before the season, Lealiifano said he was open to a move overseas.
“Experiencing rugby in the UK was fantastic, really opened up my eyes a bit,” he said.
“I guess if you asked me 12 months ago, I'd probably say, ‘I'll just stop here, I absolutely love this place and adore what it's about’.
“I guess it's (the overseas stint) something that given me a bit more options now, and a bit more time to sit back and look at different things and experiencing what I've experienced with my family, it's something I really have to consider now.
“But obviously I've just got to have those conversations when I need to have them.”
