After eight seasons at the Queensland Reds, injury-prone Test back-rower Liam Wright has farewelled the Super Rugby franchise.
The 27-year-old played 86 times for the Reds and was the Super Rugby side’s third-most capped captain (55) behind James Horwill and Mark Loane.
But injuries, including in 2025, where he featured just twice, denied him from kicking on and reaching the 100 game milestone.
Liam Wright has left the Queensland Reds. Photo: Getty Images
Where Wright lands remains to be seen, but it’s understood the Wallaby still has ambitions of playing professional rugby.
“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,” Wright said.
“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.
“Going on those annual Reds to Regions trips around the state, I got to see Queenslanders doing it tough through drought but just gritting their teeth and getting on with it.
“I feel that’s the team we became, the player I became and the person I have become. I’m really proud that I’ve got to know the DNA of a true Queenslander, someone who gets on with it no matter what, and help show that on and off the field.
“I’ve been in tears over injury at times but you pick yourself up to work hard, be resilient and go again.”
Wright was one of the Reds’ most consistent players over the past decade and quickly popped up on Michael Cheika’s radar with the Wallabies as a 20-year-old.
He played his most recent Test as Wallabies captain in Joe Schmidt’s first match in charge against Wales in July, 2024.
But another injury denied him from adding to his six Tests.
Liam Wright has had an injury-riddled 18 months since captaining the Wallabies against Wales in July, 2024. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Injury restricted Wright to just 58 minutes in two Super Rugby Pacific games in 2025 after an ironman performance in 2024 when he started in all 15 games.
The frustrating time on the sideline harmed Wright’s ability to push for another contract, especially with several young talents, including Joe Brial, getting stronger by the season.
Reds coach Les Kiss paid tribute to all Wright has given to Queensland rugby.
“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. 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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