In a touching moment that united a group of hardened rugby men, the crowd at the Brumbies Ball stood in appreciation when Lealiifano was awarded the Super Rugby club's top prize.

The outpouring of emotion and touching recognition for one of the Brumbies' favourite sons was a fitting reward for one of the best seasons of his almost decade-long career.

But away from rugby, Lealiifano is enduring a massive personal fight after being diagnosed with leukaemia last month and preparing for the next phase of his treatment.

The news hit close to the hearts of everyone at Brumbies as players and staff rallied around one of rugby's most respected figures.

Lealiifano was released from hospital earlier this week to spend time with his family a month after news emerged that he had been diagnosed with leukaemia.

He has completed an initial round of chemotherapy and was given time to stay at home with new son Jeremih.

However, the next step could be a bone-marrow transplant as doctors assess the best way to treat his condition and a suitable donor has been identified.

Messages of support are still flooding in from around the rugby world, including overseas clubs Montpellier and Wasps shaving their heads to support a man many of them have never met.

The result of the Brett Robinson Award – voted by the players – was a nod to his on-field performance in a season during which he took the co-captaincy reins and playmaker duties.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham described Lealiifano as one of the strongest and most resilient players he's met, coached or played with or against.

That's why Lealiifano's shock diagnosis hit a sensitive nerve at the club at the start of August.

"Initially, it was quite a big shock for a number of players," Larkham said. "The more time we've had coming to terms with it, the more comfortable the players are with the situation and how Christian is tracking.

"He was a bit flat after the chemo treatment so there were some physical changes, but when the boys are talking to him he's full of energy.

"He's the same 'Bruz'. He's always smiling. And there's a lot of positive news about this and the chances of curing it has given the boys a lot of hope."

Brumbies and Wallabies players have formed a constant support network for Lealiifano and his family, visiting him in hospital and helping him with anything they can.

David Pocock, Matt Toomua, Matt Giteau and Will Genia shaved their heads in a show of support.

The Brumbies' French connection at Montpellier was the next to follow with a "Buzz4Bruz" post showing Nic White, Jesse Mogg and Jake White all shaving their heads on the other side of the world.

Former NSW Waratah and Wallaby Kurtley Beale also convinced his new teammates at Wasps in England to shave their heads earlier this week.

There's even a Royals under-11s side of girls and boys who will either shave their heads or dye their hair to raise money for the leukaemia foundation in honour of Lealiifano.

Lealiifano has spent the past month in hospital getting treatment and has been inundated with support.

"Christian has completed an initial round of chemotherapy and has recovered sufficiently to be released from hospital earlier than anticipated," said Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson.

"Over the past few days he has spent time at home with his family and friends.

"Further treatment is expected to be required, which could be administered to Christian as an outpatient. This could include a bone marrow transplant, and a suitable donor has been identified.

"Christian is very humbled to see so many past and present teammates, coaches, fans and friends show their support for himself and his family in many different ways.

"He is extremely grateful for the love and support he continues to receive from around the world."

Lealiifano's teammates rated him the most consistent player on the Brumbies journey to the Super Rugby finals. He was also named the best back after scoring 161 points.

It remains unclear whether Lealiifano will play next year, but his health is the No.1 priority.

"Christian had a lot of stuff on his plate this year, outside rugby as well," Larkham said. "But he stood up as a leader and was the motivator when it was required. On top of all of that he had a fantastic season . He played just about every minute of every game.

"To do that is a great achievement in itself, but the way he played and controlled the team was outstanding."

BRUMBIES BALL AWARD WINNERS

Brett Robinson Player's Player Award: Christian Lealiifano

Best Brumbies back: Christian Lealiifano

Best Brumbies forward: Sam Carter

Stallion of the Year, supporters' choice: Scott Fardy

Shawn Mackay most outstanding young talent: Tom Staniforth

Community player: Robbie Abel

Garry Quinlivan service: Deon Norval