Christian Lealiifano to part ways with Brumbies at end of 2019 season

Brumbies have confirmed that Australia international Christian Lealiifano will depart from the Super Rugby club at the end of the ongoing season.

The 31-year-old has been with Brumbies since 2007 and played a pivotal role in the club reaching the quarter-final in the ongoing season.

Lealiifano will now head to Japan to feature in the Top League next season after already playing for Suntory Sungoliath and Toyota Industries Shuttles in the past. He also had a loan stint with Ulster during the 2017/18 season before returning to Brumbies again.

"The support that the Canberra public gave me and my family through a difficult time in my life will never be forgotten.

"I believe this club has a bright future under Dan (McKellar) and his coaching staff and look forward to following that progress."

Lealiifano has played 19 Tests for Australia since his debut in 2013 with his last appearance for the Wallabies coming in June 2016.

He will still be eligible to represent Australia in the World Cup in Japan later this year should head coach Michael Cheika consider recalling the 5ft 11in fly-half.

Brumbies will face Sharks in the quarter-final of the ongoing Super Rugby season at GIO Stadium on Saturday.