Wright is the forgotten man of sorts in the gold jersey, named as Joe Schmidt’s inaugural captain in charge of the Wallabies. The back-rower has dealt with shoulder injuries throughout 2025 but is expected to return for the Reds’ opening game against Moana Pasifika.

Super Rugby champions Auckland Blues, strengthened by the return of Beauden Barrett, have high hopes of back-to-back titles as the club competition returns this week, but are wary of Australian sides bolstered by the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels.