One of Australia's top rugby union players, Christian Lealiifano, has been diagnosed with leukaemia, prompting messages of strength and support from across the rugby community.

The Brumbies fly-half has played 117 Super Rugby games and 19 tests for the Wallabies, but was not named in the Wallabies squad announced on Friday.

This morning the Brumbies issued a statement saying Lealiifano had been diagnosed with leukaemia after a brief illness.

Lealiifano, 28, is currently in hospital in Canberra.

The news has devastated the playing group, the coaches and the staff at the Brumbies headquarters.

"At the moment it's just a matter of ensuring Christian receives the best care and support he can at this time," Brumbies chief Phil Thomson said.

"He is one of the most respected players within this group and this news has come as a huge shock to all of our players, coaches and staff.

"Everyone knows that Christian is an amazing young man, an important member of this team and of the Canberra community.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian and his family at this time."

Diagnosis shocks rugby community

Australian Rugby Union chief Bill Pulver said Lealiifano was an "exceptionally talented rugby player" and the game's community would support him and his family.

"We were shocked to receive the news of Christian's diagnosis yesterday and our thoughts are firmly with him as he begins his treatment," he said.

"Anyone who has ever had any involvement with Christian knows he is an outstanding young man, as well as being an exceptionally talented rugby player, and the ARU will do whatever it can to support Christian and his family now and throughout his treatment.

"I know that everyone involved in our game will rally behind Christian and his Wallabies and Brumbies teammates through this difficult time."

The Brumbies have asked for privacy for the Lealiifano family.

Lealiifano's former coach, Andy Friend, who is currently in Rio with the Australian Rugby Sevens side, tweeted a message of support, along with other rugby union personalities.

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