Rugby Australia and the Brumbies have bolstered their wing stocks for the next two seasons by signing Tom Wright to a contract extension.
The 23-year-old put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him in Canberra and Australian rugby through to the 2023 World Cup in France.
With former John Eales medallist and fellow winger Marika Koroibete expected to head overseas at the end of the season, locking in Wright is an important move for Wallabies coach Dave Rennie as he looks towards 2023.
Wright scored with his very first touch in Test rugby in the Wallabies’ Bledisloe 4 win over the All Blacks in Brisbane last year, and went on to play in the side’s two following matches against Argentina, both draws, making him something of a rarity in Australia as someone who has never tasted defeat at international level.
The speedster has crossed for 16 tries in his 35 matches for the Brumbies to date. He joined the ACT side after first playing professional football in the NRL for Manly.
“I’m thrilled to re-sign with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia for at least the next two years,” Wright said.
“I said last year when I signed for 2021 that there was no place I’d rather be than at the Brumbies and in Australia at this point in my career, so to have the next couple of seasons locked away is awesome.
“I’m extremely motivated by the challenge to continue to grow and push myself to be the best player and person I can be and hopefully get more opportunities in the gold jersey.”
Wallabies coach Rennie indicated Wright is a major part of the side’s plans going forward.
“Tom had an excellent start to his international career last year showing glimpses of what he’s capable of at the Test level,” Rennie said.
“He’s a mature young man who has pace, a good skill set and a real willingness to keep getting better which is exciting for the Wallabies moving forward.”
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
How true, as Wright, does ATM look pretty good, even though he was pretty much shut down against the Landers last night. I'm sure Rennie, will get the best out of him, as this season, alone he's more than shown his capabilities. It's going to be a big season, with hopefully, at this stage, seeing the return of the Bok's for the RC.
scubasteve
Guest
angus crighten would do pretty well (yes i know you said from last night but just expanding a little) also latrel would be amazing in the centres should he be able to defend as a 13.
FrancisF
Roar Pro
Tom Wright is good for Wallabies. Exciting player with good acceleration and explosive run. His team mates must be able create space for him to run with the ball.
Greysy
Roar Rookie
According to the NRL's own website he asked for a release from his contract - it's not that he wasn't offered a renewal. Think you memory might be a bit suspect here mate.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Excellent re-signing
Greysy
Roar Rookie
Too bad he wasn't a reject, ay. Good to see you still have nothing better to do in your sad life than post stuff like this.
ALG90
Roar Rookie
The only players from last night who would make it to the Wallabies are Trbojevic, Mitchell and Tedesco. The are others who are possibilities or just don't have the physical attributes or skills to make it.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Great news, he is just a smart footballer
Nambawan
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately Tom Wright was adjudged a failure when playing with the Manly league club. From memory he was only once selected in the run on NRL side as a 5/8 but only played limited minutes in a game where the Manly defense was over-run. Later on he was not offered a contract renewal - mores the pity as his subsequent career in the 15 a-side code has shown. Whilst his tackling when confronted by rampaging forwards running from 10m, was suspect he always displayed speed and elusiveness and obviously had talent. But really poor management by Manly not to persevere with him. I think it all happened during the Barrett years.
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
Dally Messenger
Chester B
Roar Rookie
I agree, he should be at fullback. His counterattack from kick returns is what the WB’s are missing.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Excellent news. Key player for the Wallabies!!
AV
Roar Rookie
He is high quality, and has wonderful footwork. The kind of player that the Kiwis respect - which says everything really. Good stuff Aus Rugby!
Fin
Roar Rookie
I see him as a fullback and think he'll end up there for the Brumbies and Wallabies. Great signing.
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
I've noticed he seems to be getting in a little closer and getting his hands on the ball. His footwork and use of vision has created space both the times he has been in closer. Watch his touch against the Hurricanes when he gets the ball 15 from touch with 2 or 3 outside him. He straightens, looks at the space between defenders, targets the space, draws the outside man and throws a pass into the space he created.
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
Tom was initially signed by the Brums as cover for centre or fly half. What a revaltaion his been on the wing. He just makes things happen. This is good news for the Brums and Aus rugby.