Gloucester fly-half Burns and 23 year old Audis are both products of the Bath Academy, and forged close bonds during their time as team mates at The Rec.
Burns and Audis' families are also close, and the 21-year-old Gloucester playmaker travelled to Leeds to be at his friend's hospital beside last night.
Bath-born Burns set up a new twitter profile for his friend yesterday, and called on the rugby world - both players and supporters - to send goodwill messages, to boost both Audis and his family.
The new profile @leeaudis is up and running, and Burns has asked for well-wishers to tweet the Doncaster half-back.
Burns explained:
"He has his own profile but it's a different address and this was just a good way I thought of making it easier for people to lend their support.
"I really think that could make a difference, and it would certainly give his family a lift to know that Lee is still in people's thoughts.
"Rugby can be a very tight game when everyone comes together, and this is a time when I would ask the game's fraternity to do exactly that. You don't feel like there's a lot you can do, but support is the key thing.
"So that's why I set up the separate profile for him, so that people can get their messages of support to his family.
"We've already had some really kind words from people, and hopefully this is a good way for people who know him to send their messages."
Burns said Audis' injuries put rugby into stark perspective, admitting he had fought hard not to let it affect his task at Gloucester last week.
He continued:
"Ever since day one at Bath Academy, we became great friends. We went on holiday together and our families are very close.
"Only in the summer he spent a week helping me and my parents pack up my parents' house because they were moving, we were working on fixing the roof and things like that.
"It certainly puts everything into perspective - one minute everything is going really well for him, he's secured a regular place in the side and doing well in the Championship, and then he is in hospital.
"When I found out last week I almost didn't train that afternoon, but I got myself together.
"It's been a shock but obviously it's far tougher for him and his family, and I'm just hopeful he can pull through."
Send your messages of support to Lee and his family, by tweeting @leeaudis.
Thanks to Nick Purewal and the Gloucester Citizen for allowing us to use this article.
