One-time Wallabies captain Liam Wright has reluctantly parted ways with his beloved Queensland Reds after being unable to finalise terms for a new contract agreement.
The Reds said the split was “amicable” and the 27-year-old flanker is keen to continue his stop-start professional career.
Wright, 27, has played six Tests for Australia and 86 games for the Reds.
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Liam Wright of the Wallabies takes to the field. Getty
He was a surprise pick to captain the Wallabies against Wales last year, in Joe Schmidt’s first game in charge.
Australia won that match but Wright injured his shoulder in the process and he hasn’t been featured in gold since.
“I’ve been in tears over injury at times but you pick yourself up to work hard, be resilient and go again,” Wright, who was the Reds co-captain, said.
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“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.
“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.”
Injury restricted Wright to just 58 minutes in two Super Rugby games this year.
Only James Horwill and Mark Loane have captained the Reds more often than Wright (55 times).
“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,” Wright said.
Reds coach Les Kiss – who will take the Wallabies job next year – paid tribute to Wright’s contribution.
Liam Wright of the Reds wins lineout ball during the Super Rugby AU grand final in 2020 in Canberra. Getty
“Liam is a true rugby man who lives the values of what rugby is,” Kiss said.
“He’s 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.”
Lachlan Hooper of Australia in action in Wellington. Getty
Meanwhile, the NSW Waratahs have secured the signature of talented loose forward Lachlan Hooper from the ACT Brumbies.
The 21-year-old from Bathurst is the younger brother of Wallabies star Tom and represented Australia under-20s in 2023.
“It is great to see a young player of Lachlan’s calibre return to play for his home state,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said.
“Lachlan’s a good young player whose experience of having played in Canberra and in New Zealand will add value to the already excellent backrow players we have at the Waratahs.”