The inspirational ACT Brumbies captain opened up on Tuesday about his rugby comeback, the people who inspired him to beat cancer and his hunger to win a Super Rugby championship.

It was an emotional 30-minute press conference and he hopes others fighting the blood cancer can use his story to find strength in their journey.

Lealiifano is in remission after being diagnosed with leukaemia in August last year, but doctors have told him to keep fighting for at least two years.

"One thing they never guarantee is the cancer won't come back," Lealiifano said

"They can give you everything and every chance. But it's about trying to live each day as best you can.

"Rugby is a small part [of life]. I would go through this 10 times again to be the person I am today."

An overwhelmed Lealiifano was inundated with support from around the world as fans, rivals and teammates wrote letters and sent messages to inspire him in his darkest moments.

Lealiifano's Wallabies teammates signed a pair of boxing gloves and Israel Folau, Matt Toomua, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa delivered them to him in hospital as a reminder to "keep on throwing them".

It was a touching gesture that still gives Lealiifano motivation to continue his comeback after making a surprise Super Rugby appearance in a quarter-final last month.

The next step on his road back to his best could be a stint with Irish club Ulster, with a deal on the verge of being finalised to help Lealiifano get more game time before the next Super Rugby season.

But his leukaemia battle has taught him to avoid planning too far into the future, which is why a Wallabies return is on his radar but not the No. 1 priority.

The 29-year-old has taken inspiration from small moments, like the day Mick Callanan walked into Lealiifano's hospital room and sat down for a 30-minute chat.

Callanan had a bone-marrow transplant 12 years ago and introduced himself to Lealiifano before detailing the highs and lows of his journey.

"I met an old fella, Mick Callanan, he's been to hell and back. For him to pass on his knowledge and inspire me was truly motivating," Lealiifano said.

"He didn't have to. He just walked into my room one day and sat down for a chat as old fellas do. He chewed my ear off for two hours. That was priceless to me and those people inspire me every day."

Then there was AJ Frijo, who is roughly Lealiifano's age and had relapsed three times in five years. Both Callanan and Frijo were in the stands to watch Lealiifano play 40 minutes in the quarter-final clash against the Wellington Hurricanes.

"We spoke in hospital about when I was ready to play again, they were going to come and watch," Lealiifano said.

"That was really, really special. To see them there and give them a big hug after the game ... I talk to them weekly to make sure we're kicking and doing well together."

But the real rocks in Lealiifano's fight were his family. Partner Luga was riding the same emotional wave, while son Jeremih, who was born two months before the diagnosis, helped give Lealiifano perspective.

"One day he'd see his dad with hair and the next with no hair or eyebrows ... he still smiled. That was truly uplifting," Lealiifano said.

"Keeping him close was something that really motivated me and inspired me to get better. To make it to his first birthday was a really special day."

His sister Sally gave him the "gift" of a bone-marrow transplant and mum Mafa was by his side almost every day.

"I'd like to thank my beautiful and amazing family. To my fiancee Luga, thank you is nowhere near enough for all that she has done for me," an emotional Lealiifano said.

"An amazing, strong, determined woman. I don't need to sit here and go on, she knows how thankful I am.

"To my wonderful mum and siblings, you all know I couldn't have done this without you. The love and support you showed me through some very long and tough days was truly remarkable.

"I'm absolutely blessed to have such a special family. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. There are so many people to thank, but if I did that I'd be here until next month or next year.

"One of the reasons I've been pretty reluctant to make a big deal out my story is that I'm conscious of all the families and people going through this horrible disease.

"Not everyone has had the outcome I have had so far, and my heart goes out to all of those fighting the battle.

"This last 12 months has been life changing. I hope some people see my story and draw some positives ... that they can find strength and push through to enjoy every day."