Human 29: Christian Lealiifano

Professional rugby player

After first signing with the ACT Brumbies around 14 years ago, Christian has earned 150 Super Rugby caps for the club, has played seasons with Waikato in New Zealand and Ulster in Ireland, has made more than 20 appearances for the Wallabies, and is currently contracted with the NTT Shining Arcs in Japan. Christian is a New Zealand-born Samoan who grew up in Melbourne playing every sport under the sun. He is a proud Christian and a dedicated husband and father.

At the height of his career in 2016, Christian was diagnosed with leukaemia. The strength he displayed through this difficult period was inspirational, though wouldn’t have surprised those who know him. He is a brilliant human - humble, honest, selfless, and funny.

Christian is a human mammal. Here are his thoughts:

What brings you the most joy in life?

Family happiness and safety. Seeing my son and wife happy. Reward or achievement following persistence, hard work and self-belief.

What does success mean to you?

Doing or achieving something that brings you happiness and building meaningful connections with people.

What are you most grateful for?

Family. Health. 

What do you see as your greatest achievement? 

Becoming a father to my amazing young boy, Jeremih.

Who or what has had the biggest influence on your life?

God. Family. Role models/other athletes.

What do you regret?

I regret caring too much about what others thought of me and wanting to impress people.

I also regret any mistakes I may have made that hurt others.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Learn how to best look after your finances. Be more present. Control what you can control.

What do you doubt most?

That there will be world peace.

When did you last change your mind?

Everyday. My decisions change all the time after consideration and time to think things through.

What is something most people don’t know about you? 

I wanted to be a police officer growing up and did work experience at a police station during school. 

What is the role of luck in our lives?

I believe things happen for a reason. They were always meant to be.

Has there been a defining moment in your life? Can you tell us about it? 

Losing my father when I was 18-years-old. It was very difficult as I had just moved away from home to chase my rugby dream. I could have thrown in the towel and returned home, but I decided to pursue my ambitions in rugby - something I know my father wanted for me. 

Also, being diagnosed with leukaemia. This was a very tough period for me and my family, but with love and support from family, friends and the community, I was able to find the strength and come out the other side. 

Do you have a favourite quote? What is it? Why do you like it?

A bible verse that got me through my journey with my illness. Believing whole heartedly that there was a plan for me got me through some tough days.

“For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11

What is the most important thing we can teach kids in school? 

I think to be kind to one another. So much bullying, and now cyber bullying, happens in our schools – it can have a significant effect on people both during and after their school years.

I guess also teaching more life skills would be useful to prepare kids for adulthood and the responsibilities that come with that… how to present in an interview, how to do your taxes, understanding finance and how best to manage money, etc. 

If you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose and why? 

My father. I Lost my father when I was 18-years-old. I would love to share stories, hear more about his life, and get his views on being a dad.

What would you do with your life if you had unlimited financial resources?

Do what I can to help find a cure for cancer and give to those less fortunate. Help rid the world of poverty and homelessness.

If you could have the definitive answer to a single question, what would you ask?

How do we go back to living the way we did before this pandemic?

What concept/fact/idea should every human on the planet understand?

I’m not sure on this one. We would be living in a better world if people could be more understanding and kind. 

Do human beings have free will?

I don’t think so… There are rules and consequences for the decisions we make. Although we make our choices freely, they are always external forces that affect people and how they react.

Do you believe in God?

Yes.

Could we be living in a simulated universe?

I don’t think so.

Will the continual development of technology have a net positive or negative influence on humanity?

Hopefully positive. I hope that technology can help us discover new and interesting ways to evolve and survive in this amazing world we live in.

What do you see as the biggest existential threat to humanity?

Our care for one another, or lack of it.

What does it mean to live a good life?

Be kind. Be understanding. Be caring.

What is a good death?

Hopefully a painless and quick one. Knowing that you have lived as good a life as you could have. 

Thanks for your time, Christian!

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