Jake shaves head in support of Lealiifano

Cape Town - The rugby fraternity is rallying around Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano, who was recently diagnosed with leukaemia.

Former Brumbies players Nic White and Jesse Mogg convinced their team-mates at new club, Montpellier, to shave their heads in support of their ill friend.

The French club is coached by former Springbok and Brumbies mentor Jake White, who also shaved his head.

Montpellier No 8 Pierre Spies was among those to join in on the support act and the former Bulls stalwart shared some pictures via social media, along with big Fijian wing Nemani Nadolo.

Shaving our heads in support of a brother @christianlealiifano - stay strong my friend you are more than a conquerer. God is in control! @white_nic @jessemogg @wiseyfrance #romans8:38 @nemani_nadolo

A photo posted by Pierre (@pierrespies1) on Aug 20, 2016 at 7:04am PDT

For u brus @CLealiifano. From your mates here in Montpellier #brus2brus #godsgotthis pic.twitter.com/diL0LH9D0h

— nemzy (@nemani_nadolo) August 20, 2016

Lealiifano, known as Bruz by his teammates, was diagnosed with the cancer three weeks ago and is in hospital as he undergoes chemotherapy.

Wallabies Matt Toomua, Matt Giteau, David Pocock, Will Genia and Scott Sio shaved their heads before Australia's Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand on Saturday. Toomua wrote "4 Bruz" on his wrist for the clash.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen also wished Lealiifano well.

"Just before I go. Chris if you are out there watching this, from the All Blacks, we just wish you a speedy recovery, mate, and we are thinking of you," Hansen told Fox Sports.

Brumbies scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli also shaved his head before he played for Argentina against the Springboks in Nelspruit on Saturday.

Cubelli está rapado en apoyo a Lealiifano (compañero en @BrumbiesRugby) quien padece leucemia | #RCHxESPN pic.twitter.com/Cg7QRgHdpd

— Fabián Taboada (@FabiTaboada) August 20, 2016