Christian Lealiifano's final act as an ACT Brumbies player was to walk on stage to collect an award named in his honour.
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The Brumbies paid tribute to the departing captain in the most fitting way at the club's end of season function on Friday night.
The crowd stood as one to give Lealiifano a touching send off and recognise his his 12 years and 150 games of service to the club.
The award, however, wasn't for his feats on the field this season despite the playmaker rediscovering his best form after beating leukaemia.
The inaugural Christian Lealiifano spirit of rugby award recognises the person who upholds and exhibits the Brumbies' values.
The definition of the award couldn't be more apt for a man regarded as the inspiration for players, coaches, supporters and staff for more than a decade.
Many thought he would never play rugby again after he was diagnosed with blood cancer at the end of the season in 2016.
Three years later he's back to his best, returned to the Wallabies side last week and is chasing one that has eluded him so far: World Cup selection.
BRUMBIES NEWS
The newly created award means his legacy will live on long after he finishes a playing stint in Japan and coach Dan McKellar said it was the only appropriate way to recognise Lealiifano's contribution to the club.
"The award is for someone who lives and breathes our values, who understands the importance of family," McKellar said.
"It's a nice touch and a fitting farewell for Christian. It's not about football ability, it's about the person.
"For Christian to know that in 20 or 25 years time that when we're long gone, his name and contribution will still be remembered."
Lealiifano's recognition was a nod to what he has done over so many years, but the rise of prop Allan Alaalatoa as the Brett Robinson Award winner signals the start of a new generation.
Alaalatoa will be one of the contenders to take the Brumbies' captaincy reins next year after the club farewelled some of their biggest names at the function.
The departure of Lealiifano, David Pocock, Sam Carter, Josh Mann-Rea and Rory Arnold will leave a massive leadership hole.
Alaalatoa, front-row partner Scott Sio and Lachlan McCaffrey will emerge as leaders of the next generation in 2020.
BRETT ROBINSON AWARDS
Brett Robinson players' player: Allan Alaalatoa
Helen Taylor Super W player of the year: Tayla Stanford
Christian Lealiifano spirit of rugby: Christian Lealiifano
Best forward: Rory Arnold
Best back: Tevita Kuridrani
Shawn Mackay outstanding young talent: Jahrome Brown
Super W most outstanding young talent: Brooke Gilroy
Supporter's Super W choice: Georgia O'Neill
Supporter's Super Rugby choice: Christian Lealiifano
Garry Quinlivan service to rugby: Craig Robberds
Engagement award: Andy Muirhead
Best under-20s player: Noah Lolesio