Up for the fight: Christian Lealiifano begins chemotherapy after leukaemia diagnosis

The ACT Brumbies and Wallabies prop had driven from the Central Coast to Canberra with a group of players to visit Lealiifano before he started a 28-day chemotherapy treatment for leukaemia.

But Alaalatoa wasn't sure how to approach the heartbreaking diagnosis when he came face to face with Lealiifano at hospital.

Then he remembered a defining moment of his rugby rise involving Lealiifano and some words of wisdom to help then unknown rookie Alaalatoa break into Super Rugby.

"We randomly sat down at a cafe when I wasn't playing and he told me to keep chipping away," Alaalatoa said.

"When you're not in the game-day squad it can get frustrating. But [Lealiifano] told me my opportunity would come and the following week I got my chance.

"Coming down to Canberra to see him was the least I could do for [Lealiifano] for everything he's done for my rugby journey so far."

Lealiifano has started chemotherapy as he begins the battle to beat leukaemia.

The news of his shock diagnosis reverberated around the rugby world a week ago and Lealiifano has been inundated with support from teammates, opponents, fans and fellow sports people.

Lealiifano is one of the most respected and well-liked players in world rugby.

His friendly nature endears him to all that cross his path and he has been the glue in the Brumbies side as the link between senior and junior players.

But for a true reflection of the man, you only need to look at the way he sent his best wishes to the Tuggeranong Vikings ahead of their grand final on Saturday despite facing the toughest battle of his life.

Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson has been in regular contact with Lealiifano as the club rallies around one of their favourite sons.

"He has commenced his chemotherapy as part of his treatment for leukaemia," Thomson said.

"At this stage, he is likely to be in hospital for around a month. The outpouring of support and plenty of visits from players and coaches both past and present, has touched Christian and his family and they are sincerely grateful to everyone.

"Christian is approaching his treatment with positivity. It is going to be a long road and we will continue to provide whatever support we can offer to Christian and his family.

"Christian would like to send his best wishes to his friends at the Tuggeranong Vikings club who will be competing in five grand finals [on Saturday] at Viking Park.

"On behalf of the Lealiifano family and the wider Brumbies organisation, we would like to thank everybody for their care and compassion at this time."

Lealiifano had been feeling fatigued and ill at Brumbies training in recent weeks and the club's medical staff sent him for blood tests.

The results shocked everyone and Lealiifano has been in hospital since as he maps out a path to recovery.

Wallabies Alaalatoa, Israel Folau, Scott Sio and Matt Toomua decided to use their day off training to spend 10 hours on the road to see Lealiifano.

Brumbies players and staff have formed a constant stream of visitors at the hospital and will continue to do so as long as Lealiifano is in there.

"When he started cracking jokes, I knew he was his normal self. He's still in high spirits, he's a tough lad," Alaalatoa said.

"He's the guy who always takes you under your wing when you need it, and that's something I've always appreciated.

"So coming down to Canberra to see him was the least we could do. He said every time we message him it gives him strength. He's done so much for me. We know he'll fight through this."

Anyone wishing to send their support to Christian Lealiifano can leave a message at brumbies.com.au/message-for-christian/