His future with the Brumbies remains uncertain, but co-captain Christian Lealiifano says getting through a full Super Rugby season with the club after his battle with leukaemia has been unforgettable.
After being initially diagnosed with the disease in 2016, Lealiifano returned to regular action with Irish PRO14 side Ulster in 2017-18.
The 30 year-old playmaker and winner of 19 Test caps subsequently played most of the Brumbies' 2018 Super season.
He'll shortly leave for a stint with Japanese Top League club Toyota Shokki and said he hoped to have a decision soon on whether he will return to the Brumbies for next season.
"It was really special and satisfying to put this (Brumbies) jersey on again because it's something that I love so much," Lealiifano said.
"To be able to have a chance to do it again and get through a year and to be able to lead a special group of guys is always special for me and something that I'll never forget.
"It's almost like ticking the box you know, to say that 'I'm back', that I've done what I wanted to achieve when I never thought I could.
"Just a massive journey and to be able to get through a season being managed well by (coach) Dan (McKellar) and the performance staff has been fantastic.
"The medical team have been working behind the scenes on making sure that I can just get through and my health was always going to be number one."
McKellar praised Lealiifano for the direction and leadership he gave the side in Saturday's slashing 40-31 away win over the NSW Waratahs.
He described Lealiifano's return to the Brumbies in 2018 as massive.
"He's such an important part of our group, he's selfless. It isn't about himself, despite the journey that he's been through," McKellar said.
