Liam Wright set for comeback as Queensland Reds name 17 Wallabies in UK Tour squad

In good news for Reds and Wallabies fans alike, Liam Wright is poised to make his top flight rugby return during Queensland's upcoming two-game UK Tour.

Joe Schmidt's inaugural Wallabies skipper in 2024, Wright has battled ongoing shoulder complaints but will look to make his mark against Bristol (February 1) and Ulster (February 8) ahead of Queensland's Round 2 Super Rugby Pacific opener against Moana Pasifika in Brisbane (February 21).

Named Reds co-captain alongside Tate McDermott last week, Wright is one of 17 Wallabies selected with Les Kiss opting for a near full-strength squad of 32 to tackle the Bears and his former Belfast club.

Test regulars Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Tate McDermott and incumbent Wallaby captain Harry Wilson have all been included while Hunter Paisami will get his first chance to impress since a calf injury ruled him out of Spring Tour contention.

“Our players are absolutely pumped to go on this tour. It’s also a great opportunity for our staff who rarely get this experience,” Kiss said in a statement. “There is strong development possible for all our players and for the Reds as a team.”

Former Ulster prop Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen is the only notable omission after being spotted wearing a leg brace during training this week.

In a statement, breakout winger Tim Ryan shared his eagerness ahead of a maiden UK tour.

"I'm super excited. I've never played in the UK before so that challenge against different opponents in different conditions is something I'm really looking forward to," Ryan said.

"The 3G field (artificial surface) we will play on in Belfast is something completely new to me so that will be an experience as well."

QUEENSLAND REDS SQUAD FOR BRISTOL & ULSTER: Lachie Anderson, Richie Asiata, George Blake, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, John Bryant, Jock Campbell, Josh Canham, Filipo Daugunu, Massimo De Lutiis, Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon, Alex Hodgman, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott (co-captain), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Fraser McReight, Heremaia Murray, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Tim Ryan, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, Kalani Thomas, Seru Uru, Connor Vest, Louis Werchon, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright (co-captain)