Liam Wright, the gutsy flanker who led both the Wallabies and Queensland Reds, is hanging up his boots at Ballymore, leaving a legacy tinged with both pride and unfulfilled potential as he steps away from the Brisbane squad ahead of their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Despite a career often interrupted by injuries, Wright's stint included significant milestones, including captaining the Wallabies during a notable match against Wales in Sydney in 2024 under coach Joe Schmidt.
Wright's journey with the Reds began with a debut against the Melbourne Rebels in 2018, culminating in him becoming Queensland’s third-most capped captain with 55 appearances, trailing only behind legends James Horwill and Mark Loane. Reflecting on his departure, Wright shared his mixed emotions about leaving the daily grind at Ballymore, a place that shaped much of his professional and personal life. “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.
“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,”
He vividly recalls the camaraderie and the intense, shared commitment to the team's goals, which forged deep bonds and lifelong memories. Wright's tenure was not just about leading on the field but also about embracing and understanding the essence of leadership during times he was sidelined. “Captaining the side was a real honour but what I’m most proud of are the moments when I wasn’t on the field. 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,” he reflected.
As Wright transitions away from his active playing role, current Reds head coach and soon-to-be Wallabies coach, Les Kiss, praised him as a cornerstone of the team's culture and spirit. “Liam is a true rugby man who lives the values of what rugby is,” Kiss remarked. “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.” Kiss, along with the entire Reds’ staff and the Queensland Rugby Union, extended heartfelt wishes for Wright’s future endeavors.
Wright's departure marks the end of an era at Ballymore but also highlights a career that, while marred by injuries, was rich in leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to rugby values.
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Liam Wright, the gutsy flanker who led both the Wallabies and Queensland Reds, is hanging up his boots at Ballymore, leaving a legacy tinged with both pride and unfulfilled potential as he steps away from the Brisbane squad ahead of their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Despite a career often interrupted by injuries, Wright's stint included significant milestones, including captaining the Wallabies during a notable match against Wales in Sydney in 2024 under coach Joe Schmidt.
Wright's journey with the Reds began with a debut against the Melbourne Rebels in 2018, culminating in him becoming Queensland’s third-most capped captain with 55 appearances, trailing only behind legends James Horwill and Mark Loane. Reflecting on his departure, Wright shared his mixed emotions about leaving the daily grind at Ballymore, a place that shaped much of his professional and personal life. “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.
“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,”
He vividly recalls the camaraderie and the intense, shared commitment to the team's goals, which forged deep bonds and lifelong memories. Wright's tenure was not just about leading on the field but also about embracing and understanding the essence of leadership during times he was sidelined. “Captaining the side was a real honour but what I’m most proud of are the moments when I wasn’t on the field. 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,” he reflected.
As Wright transitions away from his active playing role, current Reds head coach and soon-to-be Wallabies coach, Les Kiss, praised him as a cornerstone of the team's culture and spirit. “Liam is a true rugby man who lives the values of what rugby is,” Kiss remarked. “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.” Kiss, along with the entire Reds’ staff and the Queensland Rugby Union, extended heartfelt wishes for Wright’s future endeavors.
Wright's departure marks the end of an era at Ballymore but also highlights a career that, while marred by injuries, was rich in leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to rugby values.