Ospreys sign former Wallabies captain Liam Wright to replace departing Jac Morgan

The Ospreys have signed former Wallabies captain Liam Wright from the Queensland Reds, the Welsh region announced, with the 28-year-old set to take over the back-row role vacated by departing Wales captain Jac Morgan.

Wright arrives in Swansea with six Australia caps and 86 appearances for the Reds, 55 of which came as captain. He captained the Wallabies against Wales in 2024 and is regarded as an experienced leader at both club and international level.

He is the Ospreys’ third signing ahead of next season and their first forward recruit, following the arrivals of Wales wing Tom Rogers from the Scarlets and Exeter Chiefs centre Dan John.

Morgan, meanwhile, is among several high-profile departures from the region this summer. The Wales captain is heading to Gloucester, as is hooker Dewi Lake, in a significant reshaping of the Ospreys squad.

“I’m excited to get started with this new chapter at the Ospreys,” Wright said. “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.”

Wright cited conversations with fellow Australian Ryan Smith as a factor in his decision. “I had a chat with Ry when I started to consider the move and he spoke so highly of the place and the boys that are there. The Reds were such an impactful club in my development as a player, it was important that the next place I chose had a strong track record of developing quality players, and the Ospreys certainly fit that bill.”

Head coach Mark Jones welcomed the signing as a statement of intent. “He’s an international quality player who we know will fit in seamlessly into our group. We believe Liam’s knowledge and his experiences in Australia will also be of huge benefit to our younger back rowers. He’s a real leader with all the credentials that make an Osprey.”