Christian Lealiifano eyes comeback through short stint with Ulster

Australia international Christian Lealiifano is eyeing a comeback into the game through a short stint with Pro 14 club Ulster following his recovery from cancer.

The 29-year-old was diagnosed with leukaemia in August last year and his last appearance for Wallabies came two months prior to that. Even though, he made his return for his club Brumbies in the quarter-final defeat against Hurricanes in the recently concluded Super Rugby season, it is understood that Lealiifano wants to phase his return as he bids to return to full fitness.

According to reports, Lealiifano's deal with Ulster has been approved by Brumbies which will see the fly-half returning back to Super Rugby for the 2018 season.

The news will be a major boost to Brumbies, who will also have the services of David Pocock next season on completion of his one-year sabbatical.

Tomas Cubelli, who has returned back to Argentina to play for Jaguares is likely to be replaced by Waratahs halfback Matt Lucas along with number eight Lachlan McCaffrey as he is set for a second stint with the ACT based club.

Brumbies topped the Australian conference last season with six wins from 15 games before they were outplayed by Hurricanes with a 16-35 margin in the first round of knock out stage.