Wellington Rugby Academy Profile: Jack Wright

Beauden Barrett is officially recognised as the best rugby player in the world and plays golf off a single handicap. However there is one thing he doesn’t have, the record for the Bronco. 

The Bronco is a Wellington rugby fitness test promoting endurance and long distance acceleration. Jack Wright holds that distinction and explains what’s involved. 

“You have to sprint 20-metres to a marker, then 40-metres and finally 60-metres. You do this five times. I did it in about four minutes and 27 seconds which is apparently the record, beating Beauden Barrett. I don’t boast about it, because I want to be humble, but I have always prided myself on my fitness,” he says.

 Wright is a workhorse lock and flanker who made his Premier debut for the Upper Hutt Rams on Saturday. He is a member of the Wellington Rugby Academy.

“It’s great to be in the Academy. There are people here who know a thing or two about the game and believe I have the potential to be a professional and that’s great, but it’s not up to them, it’s up to me, but it’s good to have some guidance,” Wright acclaims. 

Wright is a product of St Pat’s Silverstream where rugby was a bitter-sweet experience. In 2014, Wright was a member of the Under-15’s who won 23 out of 24 games and the Hurricanes regional title. 

Between 2015 and 2016 he spent two years in the First XV, but missed the best part of two months with a broken cheekbone in the latter season. Despite the injury, Wright was often captain. 

“We didn’t have the greatest season in 2016 and it was frustrating watching from the sidelines. I learned to boost my communication and work rate,” Wright reveals. 

Wright’s work ethic has been appreciated by rep selectors. He runs a 20 level yoyo and has played for the Wellington U19’s and Hurricanes development alongside All Black Asafo Aumua. 

“I played a lot of First XV rugby with Asafo. It’s pretty crazy how quickly things have happened for him, but he’s a freak and he deserves it,” Wright praises.  

Wright is a regular 7s player switching between prop and wing. He represented Silverstream at the National Condors and was named in the tournament team at the National Club 7s in February. Upper Hutt earned the right to represent the capital in that tourney after winning the Ambassadors series in 2017. 

Wright is the youngest of four brothers. His oldest brother Ben is a father and works at Burger Fuel. Regan is a rugby player and works for Panhead Breweries. Thomas is a keen hunter and Luke is a Down Syndrome sufferer and vocal presence at Jack’s games.

“Luke is my waterboy. Whatever team I am in, he has become the waterboy. He loves it and is really encouraging. He was presented a jersey signed by the First XV at St. Pats Silverstream which was pretty special,” Wright concludes. 

Fast Five
Favourite musician: Eminem
Celebrity crush: Selena Gomez
Favourite player: Quade Cooper
Favourite food: Raw chicken
Favourite quote: "Two wrongs don't make a Wright,” Seriously its: “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.