Reds captain spins trio’s exit into a positive

David Skippers

Reds captain Liam Wright has no hard feelings towards three former team-mates who refused to take pay-cuts and have now left the squad.

Fly-half Isaac Lucas and locks Izack Rodda and Harry Hockings were released from their contracts on Saturday, with departures from Super Rugby now expected.

The trio had opted against a reduction in pay and were criticised for their stance. However, Wright holds no grudges against them and believes the whole episode could ultimately help the team become tighter.

“It’ll definitely be a positive for us,” he told reporters when quizzed on the story.

“We’ve lost some good mates but they’ll still be our mates and they’ve made their decision. This group can only get stronger through it.

“It just makes sure that everyone who wants to be here is really willing to put in.”

Wright continued that he was unsure of the players’ reasons for refusing the pay-cut and is now focussed on on-field matters with the Reds.

“I can’t comment on their motivations,” he added.

“All I know is that we all had a decision to make.

“They’ve been able to make theirs and consequences will come from that.

“We have a lot of guys here who made the decision to stick with us and that’s something I’m very proud of and I think speaks a lot to the culture that we’ve got building here.”