This will be Christian Lealiifano's final season with the Brumbies after the ACT skipper confirmed a move to Japan on Monday morning.
Lealiifano comes off-contract at the end of the season and opted, after 12 season in Canberra, to head overseas.
It's not the first overseas stint Lealiifano has had - he has previously played for Suntory in the Japanese Top League and featured for Irish side Ulster at the beginning of the 2018 season as he worked to get more game time in his recovery from Leukaemia.
Lealiifano has become one of the fan favourites in Canberra after joining the club back in 2008 and his standing in the rugby community only grew after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia, undergoing a very public battle with the disease and working his way back to regular rugby.
“This was a difficult decision for me and I would like to thank the Brumbies for their support throughout my time at the club,” Lealiifano said.
“The Brumbies mean a lot to me and my family, and they have given me so much. I love Canberra and the community, as it’s my home and will always hold a special place in my heart.
“The players, staff, members and supporters have been behind me every step of the way since my debut and I am grateful and thankful for their unconditional support.
“I leave with many amazing memories and friendships which I will cherish.
“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 and his coaching staff and look forward to following that progress.
"We still have much to play for this season as well, starting with our Quarter Final against the Sharks on Saturday evening, and I am fully focused on doing my best to help us reach the next stage."
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar paid tribute to Lealiifano, who has 148 caps for the Brumbies and has captained the side 46 times in his career.
“We are sad to see Christian move on but we are very grateful to have had such a quality person at our club for so long,” he said.
“Christian has been a huge part of the Brumbies for 12 years now. His contribution both on field and off field have been enormous.
“Christian the player, has been so important for us, his fearlessness, his direction, his leadership, particularly this year. He’s grown so much as a leader in my time here, but Christian the person is what makes him who he is.
“You will not meet a more selfless person than Christian Lealiifano.
To go through what he went through, and to comeback and still find time to lead and care for those around him, to be there for his teammates, he’s an incredible person. He should be very proud of the legacy he leaves at the Brumbies.
“We wish Christian, his family all the best for his future in Japan and beyond.”
Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson said Lealiifano would be missed.
“Christian has been a tremendous ambassador for the club, both on and off the field, and we are sorry to see him leave,” he said.
“On behalf of the Brumbies family we wish Christian, and his family, all the best for their next adventure.”