Super Rugby AU: Captain Liam Wright’s ankle injury a huge blow for the Queensland Reds

The Reds’ Super Rugby AU title hopes have been hurt by the loss of skipper Liam Wright, who has suffered a serious ankle injury.

Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Picture: Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

Queensland skipper Liam Wright could miss the entire Super Rugby AU season after injuring his ankle in a Reds’ trial loss the NSW Waratahs.

In a blow to the Reds’ title hopes, Wright is facing up to 10 weeks with an ankle injury.

Wright was hurt in the Reds’ 45-33 trial loss to the NSW Waratahs in Narrabri last Friday night.

A 10-week absence will mean Wright would only for available for the final two rounds of the regular season, and the finals if the Reds progress that far.

But any injury complications or setbacks could rule the 23-year-old flanker out for the entirety of Queensland’s Super Rugby AU campaign.

Wright had not been long on the field after coming on as a replacement at the start of the second half in Narrabri before suffering the injury which scans later revealed as being syndesmosis, a high ankle sprain.

James O'Connor is in contention to stand in as Reds captain for the injured Liam Wright. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Utlilty back Bryce Hegarty, a part of the Reds’ leadership group, wore the captain’s armband in the first half of trial.

“It’s very unfortunate about Liam,” Hegarty said.

“He’s such a great guy and a great leader but he’ll continue doing his leading off the field, and he’ll do a great job of that.

“While the boys will miss him, we have to move on now and move forward.”

With Hegarty unlikely to start in Queensland’s season opener – also against the Waratahs – on Friday week at Suncorp Stadium, Wright’s replacement as skipper remains up in the air.

Further complicating matters is that another member of Queensland’s leadership group, towering lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, is suspended for the Reds’ opening two games after being sent off playing for the Wallabies against Argentina in December.

Of the two other leadership group members, Wallabies flyhalf James O’Connor seems the obvious choice ahead of forward Angus Scott-Young, who is no certainty to start against the Waratahs.

If Reds coach Brad Thorn looks outside his leadership group, 21-year-old former Junior Wallabies skipper Fraser McReight, who also leads Brisbane City in the NRC competition, could be a candidate.

Originally published as Super Rugby AU: Captain Liam Wright’s ankle injury a huge blow for the Queensland Reds