Wright joked he was happy for Brumbies teammate Billy Pollard to now take the mantle as a potential Wallaby code-switcher, after the former North Sydney Bear was identified as a potential recruit for Perth.
“I saw Billy Pollard was getting talked about to go [to the Bears]. He’s now hot on the list for going over there. And he’s going to love that, too,” Wright said.
“I feel really secure knowing that I know what I’m doing for three more seasons, and particularly having a family now.
Tom Wright making a break for the Brumbies against NSW.Credit: Getty Images
“But also there are so many things on the horizon, right? The Lions obviously have been not too far away. And I’m still chasing an elusive Super Rugby title that I’ve been down at the Brumbies now for a few seasons trying to chase. And each year, even this year, we’re right up there.
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“[It’s] feeling like the kettle’s boiling, and that was a massive factor for me. And the 2027 World Cup feels like it’s far away, but it’s not. So a couple of things enticing me to stay long term, for sure.”
Wright said the uncertainty about the Wallabies coach at the start of the year wasn’t a huge factor in his deliberations, but he was pleasantly surprised when Joe Schmidt agreed to extend through to next year as part of a transition to his successor, Les Kiss.
“Seeing that Joe was able to extend his stay, it was a surprise with a huge smile on my face,” Wright said.
“Knowing the reasons that he was stepping away were absolutely respected. But I know that he’s got the best out of me in his short time with me.
