Injured Wallaby, Reds co-captain and ‘selfless man’ inks new Rugby Australia deal
Wallabies flanker Liam Wright wins lineout possession against Wales.
Rugby Australia and the Reds have announced that Wallabies back-rower Liam Wright has signed a new contract which keeps him at the Super Rugby Pacific outfit.
The 26-year-old was in fine form for the Reds during their 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign as he played in all 15 of their matches in that competition which saw the Brisbane-based side bow out in their quarter-final against eventual runners-up the Chiefs.
Rewarded with Wallabies captaincy
Wright‘s impressive form at Super Rugby Pacific level resulted in him being rewarded with the Wallabies captaincy for the first time in their opening Test of the year against Wales in July but sustained a shoulder injury in that clash which has kept him on the sidelines since then.
He has already made 86 appearances for the Reds and joins the the likes of Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Ryan Smith and Jock Campbell in signing a new deal with the Queenslanders.
After first captaining the Reds in 2020 when he was just 22, Wright has now fulfilled the leadership role for five years, and has shared it with Wallabies scrum-half Tate McDermott for the past three seasons.
Wright works hard on both sides of the ball and also impresses with his ability in the lineouts, while leading by example.
“Liam is an integral part of what we are looking to achieve and was a priority re-signing for us,” said Reds head coach Les Kiss.
“Getting some continuity in his Rugby was important for him this year, and we were so pleased that he was able to achieve that through playing a full Super Rugby season.
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“To see him rewarded externally and tasked with captaining his country brought great pride and happiness to all of his teammates and colleagues.
‘Such a selfless man’
“Liam has so much to offer our team and is such a selfless man, determined to see the club fulfil its potential and committed to playing a key role in achieving success.
“The entire coaching staff are excited about the role he will play for the Reds in 2025.”
Meanwhile, Wright revealed that it was an easy decision to extend his career at the only professional club he has ever represented.
“I always feel incredible pride in the Queensland jersey, due to our fantastic fans and the role being a Queenslander has played in my life,” Wright said.
“There is plenty more I want to achieve here alongside this great squad and staff, both as an individual and as a team.
“I believe that Les (Kiss), Fish (Jonathan Fisher), Choc (Zane Hilton) and Brad (Davis) will continue to challenge me and help me evolve and grow as a player, which I really enjoyed over the past year.
“There’s nowhere else I want to be playing and it’s exciting to have my future locked in.”