Durban-born Wallabies loose forward Liam Wright says it would be “cool” to run out for the Sharks as part of his unique contract with the Queensland Reds.

The Reds on Tuesday announced that Wright had signed on with the Queensland club until the end of 2024. However, the new deal will allow him to play overseas in the Super Rugby off-season should he miss out on Wallabies selection.

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Wright has played five Tests for the Wallabies since making his Reds debut in 2018, but last featured in 2020 against Argentina and is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.

Since Rugby Australia has abolished the second-tier National Rugby Championship in 2020, Wright could be available to represent a team in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, as well as play in France and England.

Speaking to RugbyPass, Wright admitted that the potential of returning to his country of birth and playing for the Sharks for five months appeals to him.

“I didn’t know that was possible,” the 24-year-old said. “For them [Reds coach Brad Thorn and football manager Sam Cordingley] to put that in front of me, brought me in, had a meeting, explained the benefits … I’m really grateful.

“I grew up sort of wanting to represent the Durban Sharks. I don’t think I’ll get the accent back, but it’d be pretty cool.”

The Sharks have never been shy of signing foreign players, most recently recruiting Argentina flyhalf Joaquin Diaz Bonilla and Samoa loose forward OJ Noa last season.

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