"I can't wait" - Wallabies star Fraser McReight reacts to being named Reds captain for 2026

“I am super grateful that I've been given the opportunity and the belief from the coaches and management,” McReight said. He has received full backing from his previous captains, Liam Wright and Tate McDermott, and will be using the help he receives from McDermott to push for greater things in 2026.

McReight made his debut for the Australian national team in 2020 and has been captained by McDermott on both the Reds and the Wallabies squads. McReight spoke about learning from his teammates and taking on the patience and calmness, as well as the fierce attitude needed to be a singular captain.

The 26-year-old said he gained confidence to understand what’s required when captaining the Wallabies against South Africa in 2025 when leader Harry Wilson was out with a knee injury. “Sitting back and listening and watching and observing the leaders of the past at Super level but also at the international level has made me sort of understand what's required,” he said when asked about finding his voice as captain.

“I’m already speaking within the group in terms of what I need to do,” McReight said, "but it's also finding the right time when to speak and also building up other leaders within the group.” He added that a great team has multiple leaders, and he sees this within the Reds.

McReight comes into his captaincy after the Reds finished fifth on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder in 2025, making it their fourth consecutive year they’ve been pushed out in the first round of finals.

“Super is tough,” McReight said when discussing the amount of injuries the team suffered last season and the growing frustration amongst senior players. “We are sick of falling out early,” McReight said. However, he spoke about the “great squad mentality” within the Reds team and the amount of work the players put in before Christmas.

“You can feel that fire before every game,” McReight said. “We’re ready, and I can’t wait.”