Laureus World Sport awards.

Lealiifano shortlisted for global sports award

Lealiifano, who played in the World Cup three years after being diagnosed with leukaemia, has been shortlisted for the Comeback of the Year at the prestigious awards.

The 32-year-old, who is now playing with NTT Communications in the Japanese Top League, is joined by some giants of global sports including Andy Murray, NBA star Kawhi Leonard and swimmer Nathan Adrian.

Lealiifano was diagnosed with leaukaemia in 2016, just months after the birth of his son, Jeremih, and underwent months of treatment that forced him to miss much of the 2017 Super Rugby season.