Liam Wright and Tate McDermott to co-captain the Queensland Reds in 2022
Liam Wright and Tate McDermott will lead the Queensland Reds into a new era of Rugby after the duo were confirmed as Queensland’s co-captains for the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific competition.
After debuting alongside each other in 2018, 23-year-old McDermott will become the 122nd man to captain Queensland, while Wright will add to his 23 caps as skipper after taking on the position in 2020.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “Congratulations to both Liam and Tate on their appointment as co-captains for 2022.
“They both embody what it means to be a ‘Reds Man’ – they’re humble and hard-working who uphold the standards of the maroon jersey.
“Liam and Tate both made their Queensland debuts in the same match together back in 2018. They’ve now played more than 50 games for Queensland and have represented their country.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to lead your team into battle. They have the respect of the playing group and also the staff. They will do their state proud.
“It’s important to recognise the job James O’Connor did last year. He was both the captain and one of our on-field drivers which was a big commitment and responsibility.
“There are more leaders within our team, plus players with emerging leadership qualities too which is great for the future growth of our program,” said Thorn.
Wright said: “I am incredibly humbled and honoured to be announced as co-captain of the Queensland Reds in 2022, alongside my good mate Tate McDermott.
“We proudly carry with us the legacy and history of Rugby in this great state.
“I would like to thank the coaches and players for their ongoing faith and support, as well as our loyal supporters and fans.
“The privilege and challenge that befalls us is great, but we plan to serve this team to the best of our abilities in pursuit of excellence and success.
“In doing so, we aim to embody the values of mateship, toughness, and resilience that is being a Queenslander,” said Wright.
McDermott said: “It is a tremendous honour to be announced as a co-captain of the Queensland Reds alongside Liam Wright.
“To be etched into the fabric of Queensland Rugby, in company with many former great captains of the game, is something my family and I will forever treasure. Upon reflection of my initial chat with Thorny, our job now turns to unleashing the untapped potential within our side.
“We are fortunate to have a core group of experienced players around us who have tremendous skin in the game, and whom we will rely upon heavily to continue with the team first approach we took into our 2021 Super Rugby AU title-winning campaign.
“It would be naive to suggest that the challenge facing us this year isn’t significant, however with Round One of the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific almost upon us it is a challenge we are ready to embrace for Queensland,” said McDermott.
Still only 24-years-old, backrower Wright has already amassed 53 caps for his state, reaching the half-century milestone last season.
The Easts and Anglican Church Grammar School product made his debut against the Rebels in 2018 and has been a mainstay in the Queensland pack in the seasons since.
After making his Wallaby debut in 2019, Wright was instated as Queensland captain ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season and has led the side over the last two seasons, although an ankle injury curtailed much of his 2021 campaign.
Following a stint with the Australian Sevens side in his first year after graduating from Sunshine Coast Grammar School, McDermott debuted alongside his now co-captain in Melbourne in 2018.
The livewire scrumhalf has made the maroon number-nine jersey his own in the years since, scoring 17 tries in 52 appearances.
McDermott made his Wallaby debut in 2020 and has earnt 15 caps for his country.
Queensland will kickstart their 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a blockbuster all-Australian clash against the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday February 19.
Buy your 2022 Reds membership now via https://bit.ly/3qvilsP.
Liam Wright
Position: Backrow
Height: 193cm
Weight: 105kg
Born: 06/11/1997
Place of birth: Durban, South Africa
Club: Easts
School: Anglican Church Grammar School
Super Rugby debut: 2018 v Melbourne Rebels, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Super Rugby caps: 53
Test debut: 2019 v New Zealand, Eden Park, Auckland
Test caps: 5
Tate McDermott
Position: Scrumhalf
Height: 175cm
Weight: 82kg
Born: 18/09/1998
Place of birth: Bundaberg, Queensland
Club: University of Queensland
School: Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Super Rugby debut: 2018 v Melbourne Rebels, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Super Rugby caps: 52
Test debut: 2020 v New Zealand, ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Test caps: 15
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