‘It will be hard not coming into Ballymore nearly every day’ – Ex-Wallabies and Reds skipper makes tough decision
Wallabies and Reds flanker Liam Wright.
Former Australia and Queensland Reds skipper and back-rower Liam Wright has parted ways with the Brisbane-based outfit ahead of their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
The 27-year-old’s career has been blighted by injuries but he still made six appearances for the Wallabies at Test level and became the team’s first captain under the guidance of current head coach Joe Schmidt when they faced Wales in Sydney in 2024.
Wright, who is a former Australia U20 representative, made his debut for the Reds against the Melbourne Rebels in 2018. He finishes his stint as Queensland’s third-most capped captain (55), with only James Horwill and Mark Loane leading them on more occasions.
Sad to leave the Reds
“It will be hard not coming into Ballymore nearly every day. Beyond the moments on the field, my fondest memories are around the people, the mates I got to do it with,” said Wright.
“After you walk into the banter at Ballymore to start a training day, you sweat and bleed together towards a common goal. That’s really the joy I have loved.
“I was inspired by what it meant to be a Queenslander. I wore that very proudly and never let the privilege of that honour fade.
“Brad Thorn gave me the best advice on it: ‘Make sure your own backyard is in order before asking anyone to follow’.
“Captaining the side was a real honour but what I’m most proud of are the moments when I wasn’t on the field.
‘Helped shape me into the person I am today’
“Those times taught me how to contribute in other ways, deepened my understanding of leadership and helped shape me into the person I am today.”
Current Reds head coach Les Kiss, who will take over the Wallabies’ coaching reins after next year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign, hailed Wright as ‘one of the best’ people he has come across in rugby.
“Liam is a true rugby man who lives the values of what rugby is,” he said. “He has been an exceptional rugby player for the Reds.
“He’s a brilliant person and you understand why the locker room looks up to him. He’s a leader of men. His persistence and resilience are evident on a daily basis.
“Liam is one of the best I’ve met in the game. On behalf of the coaching staff, the Professional Rugby Department and the QRU, I wish him the best for the future.”
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