Lealiifano not rushing call on future

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.”While 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.“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.Click Here: habitat tord boontje