Having overcome what he admits was his most heartbreaking setback, Wallabies skipper Liam Wright has revealed he and his doctors are still mystified by a shoulder injury that derailed his international comeback.
The Queensland Reds co-captain will come off the bench against the Western Force on Saturday, his first appearance since leading his nation against Wales in July.
Previously, Wright had a four-year Test hiatus after battling eight major injuries in six years.
Wallabies star Liam Wright will return from shoulder surgery this weekend.Credit: Getty Images
Despite already suffering severely torn hamstrings, dislocated shoulders, ankle concerns and a broken hand, he lamented this process had been the most challenging.
The 27-year-old intended to return for Australia’s Spring Tour, but a series of procedures – including bicep tenotomies and “different stuff in the AC and actual shoulder joint” – failed to take effect, with “any slight knock” causing him grief and triggering his decision to go under the knife.
Now, Wright has declared his intention to regain his place among the Wallabies in time for the British and Irish Lions tour this year.
“After a full Super Rugby season [in 2024] I was pretty convinced I’d done all the good stuff I needed to with my body to keep it running,” Wright said.
“It felt like a heavy fall from grace. You reach that pinnacle of being able to represent your country again after a long absence, and it just really hurt to realise you still had the capability to get there, and then have it taken away.
“For a long time, and probably even still to this day, we don’t really know what the underlying cause or symptoms of everything was. It’s been some good weeks and some bad weeks in rehab, but I’m feeling really good and just excited to play some rugby.
“I’m just going to enjoy being back on the field again for all the minutes I get and keep working my way back to that same picture.”
Wright’s return is offset by the losses of key duo Jock Campbell [arm injury] and Hunter Paisami [suspension], with a young pair to make their Super Rugby Pacific debuts for the Reds.
Wright played his first game for the Wallabies in four years last year.Credit: Getty Images
Heremaia Murray will fill Campbell’s void at fullback, having played three games for Crusaders last year, while Dre Pakeho will step in for Paisami at inside centre.
Wright backed Murray’s “flair” and “little bit of dynamism” after a coming-of-age performance against Ulster during the Reds’ preseason tour to the UK.
As for Pakeho, the Queensland leader was adamant his star showing against Wales in a post-season clash last year spoke volumes to what he could become.
“He’s got a very Hunter Paisami-mould where he’s a big tough inside centre and can play tough, but he’s developed a lot of silky skills,” Wright said of Pakeho, who signed a two-year extension with the club to the end of 2026.
“The Wales game spoke for itself. I think he just really announced himself as [someone who] when he gets his opportunity, he’s going to be ready.”
