But the inspirational ACT Brumbies leader surprised the squad ahead of its first game of the Super Rugby season by joining them on a flight to Christchurch.

Lealiifano, who is in remission after being diagnosed with leukaemia last year, packed his boots out of habit to join the Brumbies for a hoodoo-breaking mission to New Zealand.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham secretly organised for Lealiifano to be a part of the trip as a last-minute boost before a clash against the Canterbury Crusaders on Saturday night.

"I think [Larkham] wanted to keep it as a little surprise for the boys," Lealiifano grinned.

"Just as a little pick-me-up ... I was stoked that he asked me if I felt good enough to come along. I didn't want to miss the start of the season.

"I'm feeling good enough, I just want to be able to help where I can."

Lealiifano's diagnosis rocked the rugby community and the respected and popular star was inundated with support from around the world.

Brumbies players say Lealiifano will add motivation and inspiration to their season as they attempt to prove the doubters wrong.

Larkham appointed Lealiifano as a Brumbies co-captain this year despite the slim chances of him playing an on-field role during the season.

"He's created a lot of inspiration and motivation over the past three months and it's going to be great to have him over there for the first game," Larkham said.

"You can see a noticeable physical and mental lift in the playing group when he's around. He's been in constant contact with a number of players.

"But every day he has popped in, the guys have got an energy boost and trained a lot better.

"Having him at the first game is about him being a part of this team. He's a captain and we want our senior members involved with every game in some respect.

"He'll just be a calming influence to some of the guys ... he'll be able to offer advice and just being there is massive."

Lealiifano returned to Brumbies headquarters this week after a 100-day stint in Melbourne following a bone-marrow transplant with sister Sally.

It is still not known when he will be cleared to make a playing comeback, but you couldn't wipe the smile off his face on Thursday.

"The reason I've got a big smile on my face is because I can travel with the group and that's a massive milestone from where we've come from," Lealiifano said.

"It's been tough. Not thinking too far down the track, but when you first get diagnosed you think the worst. All of that runs through your head.

"But to be here today and get to travel with the side for round one, I'm stoked and excited and hopefully we come back with a win."

Lealiifano started a modified training program in the Brumbies gym and has been helping with on-field sessions, guiding young playmaker Wharenui Hawera before his Super Rugby debut against the Crusaders.

He has to wait at least another three months before he can contemplate playing or full training, but even so he couldn't help packing his boots for round one.

"It was just natural when you're packing to go away and it's nice to have that feeling again," Lealiifano laughed.

"Maybe I need my boots just in case someone goes down in the warm up.

"But it's just part of the norm, I chucked them in there just to make me feel a bit normal travelling away with the side.

"I'm really excited to be back ... when you get home it's a bit of relief and normality again. It's day 105 [post surgery] today, so things are plugging along all right."

Lealiifano will have monthly check ups in Melbourne and will take on a coaching role with the Brumbies.

Larkham is keen to have Lealiifano mentor a young group of players, in particular flyhalves Hawera, Nick Jooste and Isaac Thompson.

Lealiifano will travel with the Brumbies during the Super Rugby season, but has no concrete plans for which games he will attend.

"[Lealiifano] actually wished me luck for the game in the change rooms before [we left Brumbies HQ]," said prop Allan Alaalatoa.

"I saw him pull up in his Range Rover [at the airport] and I was quite surprised. It's good to have him down, he'll bring a lot of energy to the guys and it's great to have him around."