Ospreys sign former Australia captain Wright

Ospreys have signed former Australia captain Liam Wright.

The 28-year-old flanker has made six appearances for the Wallabies, including captaining the side in the first Test win against Wales in Sydney in 2024.

Wright left Queensland Reds in 2025 after leading them on 55 occasions but has not played in a year after being plagued by injuries.

"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 will help fill some of the void left by Wales and British and Irish Lions back-rower Jac Morgan, who has left Ospreys for Gloucester along with Dewi Lake.

Wright will link up with his former Reds team-mate Ryan Smith, with the lock having 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," he 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."

Based on this Welsh heritage, Wright could even be eligible to play for Wales as early as next summer, before the next World Cup which is being staged in Australia and starts in September 2027.

Despite already being capped by Australia, World Rugby regulations would allow Wright to play for another country three years after his previous international appearance, which was the Wallabies’ victory against Wales in July 2024.

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones says signing Wright was a "real statement".

"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."