ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham believes Tom Wright is primed for a big return as he holds hope that Charlie Cale could return from a shoulder injury as early as next week.
Wright will feature for the first time in 2026, named at fullback for Saturday's match against the Fijian Drua in Canberra.
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The Wallaby last took the field during the Rugby Championship, rupturing his ACL against South Africa.
“It’s been a fairly long process for Wrighty after picking up the injury during Wallabies but he’s a little bit ahead of schedule, been training with us for over a month and has looked exceptionally good out there on the field," Larkham said.
“He adds a lot of leadership when the ball’s in play, in the huddles and around the meeting space and he gives a lot of confidence to the players around him as well.
“A tough challenge for him coming back after so long out and starting but I think there's benefits both ways to get him in there as soon as possible and not have to wait to come off the bench, then just the leadership and the confidence that it gives to the rest of the playing group from the get-go of the game is going to be good for us.”
Wright's return allows Larkham to freshen up standout outside back Andy Muirhead, who comes off the bench.
With Allan Alaalatoa coming back last week, it leaves the Brumbies close to full fitness outside of Cale.
Cale damaged his shoulder in last week's win over the Highlanders and was pulled midway through the first half.
The in-form number eight has been one of the best in 2026, rebounding after a back injury curtailed his 2025 season.
Larkham was optimistic Cale was not expecting a long stint on the sidelines, with the club set to face the Hurricanes and the Queensland Reds following the Drua.
“He was involved in a clean-out and his hands on the ball and just got hit at the wrong angle. We're not 100% sure how bad the damage is at this stage, we're just waiting for a further investigation there, but it could be next week that he's back playing with us," Larkham hoped.
“...Straight after the game he had pretty good range and strength and then came in and was pretty sore but a bit of good news yesterday is that it does look like it’s going to be okay."
Tuaina Taii Tualima comes in to replace Charlie Cale, named at number eight to start against the Drua.
Tualima is set to reach 50 Super Rugby caps, with winger Corey Toole also bringing up the mark.
Further changes see Luke Reimer start at openside flanker, swapping with Rory Scott.
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BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Toby MacPherson, Rory Scott, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Andy Muirhead
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