ACT Brumbies playmaker Christian Lealiifano is back in Canberra after travelling nearly 50,000km and playing on three different continents in the past month.
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Lealiifano's desire to help the Canberra Vikings while keeping himself match-fit in case of a World Cup SOS means he will run out in the National Rugby Championship this weekend.
The 27-year-old will start at fullback for the Vikings as they aim to maintain their unbeaten start to the competition when they host the Greater Sydney Rams at Viking Park on Saturday.
Lealiifano has travelled the globe in recent weeks in search of high-quality competition after he was overlooked from the Wallabies' 31-man World Cup squad.
He arrived back from London on Tuesday morning after playing for the Barbarians against Samoa, while also flying to Japan two weeks earlier to represent the World XV.
"I've had to travel a little bit to get some footy in and while it's been challenging, it's been enjoyable at the same time," Lealiifano said.
"Being pretty experienced with travelling you get to manage it well.
"I'm feeling pretty fresh."
He was named the best back for the Brumbies this year and has the versatility to cover plenty of positions.
The door isn't completely closed for the World Cup, with Lealiifano one of 10 players placed on stand-by in case of injury.
"Obviously it's always tough and disappointing and it will always hurt, but I handled it as positively as I could to just move forward," Lealiifano said.
"I will find ways to get better and keep at it.
"All I can do is control what I can, which is play as much footy as I can."
Lealiifano also played at fullback for the Tuggeranong Vikings to limit the disruption on the team's preparation and attacking structures.
He isn't the only big addition to the Canberra Vikings' starting side.
Wallabies prop Ben Alexander has been promoted after impressing off the bench in last weekend's 37-13 win against NSW Country.
Vikings coach Brad Harris said it was a great luxury to be able to bring players the calibre of Alexander and Lealiifano into the side.
"Benny was outstanding for us off the bench last weekend," Harris said.
"Having Christian back is a massive boost for the group.
"He's a proven Super Rugby player and a proven international and he's a guy that will really add to the group this weekend."
Lealiifano replaces Isaac Thompson, who has been ruled out with a foot injury, while James Dargaville has been named at inside centre despite picking up a hip flexor injury last weekend.
Meanwhile, Harris will leave the Vikings at the end of the NRC campaign to return home with his family to the Gold Coast.
NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP — ROUND THREE
Saturday: Canberra Vikings v Greater Sydney Rams at Viking Park, 2pm. Gates open at 11.30am.
