Ospreys Sign Former Australia Captain Liam Wright
Ospreys have secured the signing of Liam Wright, the former Australia captain and flanker. Wright, aged 28, has earned six caps for the Wallabies, including captaining the team during their first Test victory against Wales in Sydney in 2024.
Wright departed from Queensland Reds in 2025 after captaining the side 55 times. He has not played competitively for a year due to injury setbacks.
"The Reds were such an impactful club in my development as a player, it was important the next place I chose had a strong track record of developing quality players, and the Ospreys certainly fit that bill," said Wright.
"This is a great opportunity for me to test myself in new waters."
The South Africa-born forward is expected to help fill the back-row gap left by Wales and British and Irish Lions back rower Jac Morgan, who recently moved from Ospreys to Gloucester, alongside Dewi Lake.
Wright’s Welsh Roots
Wright will reunite with his former teammate Ryan Smith, who has just completed his first season with Ospreys.
"I had a chat with Ry [Smith] when I started to consider the move and he spoke so highly of the place and the boys that are there," Wright added.
"I'm excited to get started with this new chapter at the Ospreys. I've actually got a bit of Welsh heritage, my grandfather was born in Pembroke, so I know it's a club with a rich history and passionate supporters."
Due to his Welsh heritage, Wright could be eligible to represent Wales as early as next summer, prior to the 2027 Rugby World Cup scheduled in Australia starting September 2027.
Despite having been capped by Australia, World Rugby regulations permit a player to represent another country three years after their last international appearance. Wright's most recent international match was the Wallabies’ victory over Wales in July 2024.
Ospreys Head Coach Comments
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones described Wright’s signing as a significant move.
"He's an international quality player who we know will fit in seamlessly into our group," said Jones.
"We're excited about what he will bring to our game around the park and to our set piece, which has always been a significant area for us as a club.
"We believe Liam's knowledge as a player and his experiences in Australia will also be of huge benefit to our younger back rowers, as was Ryan's on our younger locks last season.
"He's a real leader with the credentials that make an Osprey and that will only help us grow as a team."
Additional Context
Wright made 86 appearances for Queensland Reds during his career. The Ospreys recently signed a deal with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), while the Scarlets have yet to agree to a similar arrangement. The United Rugby Championship has unveiled its fixtures for the 2026-27 season. Welsh rugby is currently experiencing a number of player movements, including ins, outs, and re-signings for the 2026-27 campaign.
