Brumbies favourite Christian Lealiifano will pen another chapter in a remarkable career after being named sole captain of the Super Rugby club.
The five-eighth was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016 before making a stunning recovery to play less than 12 months later for the Canberra outfit.
Lealiifano has served as co-captain alongside both Stephen Moore and more recently Sam Carter and enjoyed playing stints in Ireland and Japan since his return from illness.
Wallabies back-rower David Pocock has been named vice-captain, with Carter heading to Ireland’s Ulster at the end of the year.
At 31, Lealiifano still has time to build on his 19 Wallabies caps but says his energy go towards breaking the club’s 14-year title drought
“I’m very fortunate to have the experience of these guys around me and I also love seeing the future leaders growing in this space,” he said.
“This season promises to be an entertaining one with the side committed to playing a fast, attacking brand of rugby.
“We have an excellent squad with some exciting youngsters ready to shine alongside the more experienced players.”
Coach Dan McKellar said the new leadership arrangement wouldn’t change much in terms of his playmaker’s role.
“Christian is our natural leader and has been for a number of years now,” he said.
“He has been a part of this club for a long time and leads through his actions … it was an easy choice for me for 2019.”
The Brumbies’ season begins against the Melbourne Rebels at home on February 15, but not before a final preseason trial on February 7 against the Waratahs in Goulburn.