Reds lose Wallaby hardman

NEWS: Former Wallabies and Reds captain Liam Wright is looking to put an injury-riddled chapter behind him as he farewells the Queensland-based side after eight years.

Wright and the Reds were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract, with the hard-working loose forward moving on after 86 appearances since his 2018 debut, including 55 as skipper.

The 27-year-old has played six Tests and captained the Wallabies against Wales in 2024, when he suffered a shoulder injury that stalled his career and meant he was overlooked for a top-up deal from Rugby Australia.

Wright only managed 58 minutes in two Super Rugby Pacific games this year after an ironman performance in 2024 when he started in all 15 games.

“I’ve been in tears over injury at times, but you pick yourself up to work hard, be resilient and go again,” Wright said in a statement.

“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.”

He said his favourite game in a maroon jersey was the 21-14 win over the Sharks in 2019, when the Reds won in Durban for the first time in 15 years.

“I spent part of my childhood growing up in Durban, so it was memorable to play in front of my wider family and friends in South Africa for the first time,” Wright said.

He earned the crucial penalty to seal the result in the final minute.

Wright is looking to use his Masters of Business degree, which he will complete this week.

On the field, he has been linked to the Western Force, or the fledgling rebel rugby competition R360 could be an option.

Reds coach Kiss paid tribute to Wright and his contribution to Reds 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.”