Lealiifano not rushing call on future

Fri, Jun 29, 2018, 2:20 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
After a disappointing 2018 campaign so far the Brumbies are hoping to send their home fans out on a high with a win in their final game at GIO Stadium for the season. Coach Dan McKellar has been forced to make four change ahead of Saturday night.

Christian Lealiifano may ride off into the sunset at the end of this Super Rugby season, with a decision on his playing future in Australia yet to be made.

The Brumbies skipper has signed with Toyota Shokki for the upcoming Top League season but as far as Australian farewells go it would be fitting for Lealiifano to disappear with little fanfare given he is the leader of the head down, bum up attitude which shapes the Brumbies.

The desire to add to his 19 Test caps remains, though, having been overlooked for the 2015 World Cup squad.

"That has been a tough one," Lealiifano said.

"Obviously I'm getting on a bit now - I'll be 32 next year - and a World Cup would be the biggest drawcard.

"It's definitely something that I have been chatting to my family about and something that interests me."Lealiifano is yet to make a decision on his playing future. Photo: Getty ImagesWhile Saturday's clash against the Hurricanes may well be his last match at GIO Stadium, the 30-year-old isn't approaching the game in that light.

"Every game I get to play for the Brumbies is special - especially after the illness - so tomorrow is no different," Lealiifano said.

"You never really think if this will be your last game because it could be every week.

"It's not about rushing or pressuring myself to make a decision.

"I've been at this club long enough to not worry about farewelling or anything like that.Joe Powell isn't going anywhere. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"It's about doing what is best for my family and hopefully getting a win tomorrow."

Lealiifano's future may be up in the air but Joe Powell has put pen to paper on a fresh deal which will keep him in Canberra until the end of 2020.

The 24-year-old never entertained playing anywhere else, such was his desire to stay in the nation's capital.

"There was never any other way - I was never going anywhere else," Powell said.

"I've really enjoyed my rugby here - the setup and the system is really good.

"I've been playing good rugby here and I wouldn't want to try and play somewhere else."

The Brumbies take on the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au radio.
Share
Junkyard Dog bags Ballymore hat-trick as Reds down Brumbies in Super Rugby AUS
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips carries for Queensland against ACT in Round 1 of Super Rugby AUS 2025. Picture: Neha Kumar/Reds Media Unit.
WATCH LIVE: Queensland Reds face ACT Brumbies to finish Super Rugby AUS opening round
‘Déjà vu’: McDermott, Valetini determined to fix fundamentals after chasing Pumas in Sydney
Reds flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips...can make a mark in Super Rugby AUS. Photo: Getty Images
Why a Sunday arvo at Ballymore for Super Rugby AUS is a Peek into the Future