Lealiifano has been all but ruled out of the opening round in February and doctors will wait to find the extent of the damage before determining how long he will be out of action.

Lealiifano will arrive back in Australia in the coming days following the Wallabies spring tour of Europe.

He played through pain for the majority of season after an ankle reconstruction in 2012.

It remains unclear whether Lealiifano will need a plate inserted or if he will need major surgery and an extended rehabilitation period before he joins the Brumbies next year.

The Brumbies start their season against the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on February 22.

Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher conceded Lealiifano would miss round one and his recovery could extend into the season.

''Christian's booked in for surgery and ready to go. He'll have a week off and then come back to get that done,'' Fisher said.

''It's impossible to say how long it will have him out for.

''But we don't expect him to be available for the first round, that's not in our expectations.

''Until they open his ankle up, they're not exactly sure what damage they'll be repairing.''

The Brumbies board will meet on Wednesday to start the process to find a replacement for outgoing chief executive Andrew Fagan.

Brumbies and Australian rugby great Joe Roff has pulled out of the race, but the club has been inundated with expressions of interest.

It is understood the Brumbies board won't rush a decision and is willing to wait until February to announce Fagan's successor.

Lealiifano is the only member of the Brumbies' Wallabies contingent who will have post-season surgery.