Inside the mystery of Wallabies star Liam Wright’s eighth injury crisis ahead of Queensland Reds return

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.

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.

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“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.