The Queensland Reds’ new era in the Super Rugby Pacific competition will also embrace continuity, taking flight with familiar faces at the helm of the playing group in 2024.
Liam Wright and Tate McDermott were today confirmed as the team’s co-captains for the upcoming campaign, the announcement marking a third consecutive season sharing the role. Together, they are the 121st and 122nd men to captain Queensland.
Wright and McDermott’s appointment recognises their performance and ongoing growth as leaders, with new Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss and his team taking time to assess the squad before concluding that the duo remained the clear stand-out candidates for the role.
Les Kiss said: “It’s important to allow a thorough process and clear thought when making a decision of this magnitude, but I am extremely pleased to be announcing Liam and Tate as our 2024 Co-Captains today. Forming relationships with them both over the last few months at Ballymore has been a fantastic experience.
“They are outstanding young men on and off the field, who share an immense passion for the team and the state of Queensland, and genuine care for our organisation and their peers. They are determined to deliver for our fans and, supported by a squad rich in both potential and experience, they will wear our jersey with pride and do everything in their power to achieve success.”
Wright and McDermott each spoke to their friendship with one another, and pride in being asked to lead the side in 2024.
Liam Wright said: “Leading and serving this group is a great privilege, and I will work hard to help make us a team that Queensland and its fans can be proud of. Les and his coaches bring a new, exciting dynamic that I’m eager to learn from and add to.
“It is a genuine pleasure getting to do this side-by-side with my good mate Tate, and I can’t wait to build on the foundations and cohesion we have developed in these roles and see how far we can go as a team in 2024.”
Tate McDermott said: “I feel honoured to be asked to lead our group alongside my good mate Liam again this season. I’m enthusiastic about where our team can go and bringing the fans on that journey with us is something that I care deeply about.
“It’s an utter privilege for ‘Wrongaz’ and I to lead this club forward and is something I’ll never take for granted.”
Both Wright and McDermott made their Queensland Reds debut together in Round 2 of the 2018 season against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park.
Liam Wright has amassed 69 caps, scoring 10 tries. Wright made his Wallabies debut against New Zealand at Eden Park in in 2019 and has represented Australia on five occasions.
Tate McDermott has been a mainstay in the Queensland line-up since making his debut, scoring 22 tries across his 79 caps. He made his Wallaby debut in 2020 and has earnt 29 caps for his country. In August 2022, he became the 86th Wallabies captain against New Zealand in Dunedin.
The Queensland Reds’ pre-season campaign kicks off at Ballymore on Saturday February 3rd, hosting the Western Force. From there, the Reds venture to our regional heartland as we host the NSW Waratahs in Roma at the Santos Festival of Rugby on February 10, with the Queensland Reds Super Rugby Women’s team doing the same.
February concludes with a Round One blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday February 24.
