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Lealiifano could extend Ulster stay
By Tom Webber
Australia international Christian Lealiifano is not ruling out extending his Ulster stay beyond January.
Lealiifano joined from Brumbies on a short-term deal in August and is due to head back to the Super Rugby side in early 2018.
The fly-half, who was diagnosed with leukaemia last year but returned to the sport in July after revealing he was in remission, is yet to fully consider remaining at the Irish province longer than initially planned, but suggested he would be open to it.
"I can't look too far ahead. I'll go until the end of January and do the best I can," Lealiifano told BBC Sport.
"I think the most important thing is to help this team perform and help the other young guys that are in the Ulster set-up, to be able to groom them to be able to step up, that's sort of been my main goal. If something happens down the track, you definitely can't rule that out.
"I don't know how realistic [staying is], I haven't really explored it at the moment. Obviously, a lot of the fans and people have been in my ear to try and get me to stay. I'm really enjoying it so far and we've just got to stay with each week."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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