Tom Lynagh – the son of former World Cup-winning Wallaby, Michael – has signed with the Queensland Reds until 2023.
The 17-year-old, who is in his final year at Epsom College in London and plays five-eighth – the position his father played with aplomb during his glittering career with the Wallabies – for Harlequins and the England Academy, won’t arrive Down Under until he finishes his schooling in mid-2021.
When he does though, the Reds will have another exciting playmaker whose name will make those young and old smile.
Better still, Lynagh junior, whose older brother Louis has already made his debut in the English Premiership for Harlequins but looks to have his eyes on wearing the Red Rose jersey, can play.
🔥 The resurrection of the Lynagh name is well and truly in progress pic.twitter.com/Ae94MnFygP
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) November 24, 2020
As The Australian revealed, Lynagh senior, who called Ballymore his home for 13 seasons and went on to captain the Wallabies at the 1995 World Cup, advised his son to put together a highlights package so that they could send it over to his former Queensland and Australian teammate Paul Carozza to cast his eye over.
Immediately, Lynagh’s ability to challenge the line, make a running pass and kick from hand caught the eye.
It wasn’t long before Reds coach Brad Thorn and general manager Sam Cordingley were brought in on the conversation and earlier this month Queensland officially resurrected the Lyangh name.
“Like his father, Tom is a very astute five-eighth, but he has certainly created his own path,” Cordingley said in a statement.
“Tom has genuine X-factor with ball in hand, which is supported by his point of difference in speed and acceleration. His kicking game is also impressive both out of hand and at goal.”
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Lynagh junior is said to be keen on learning from the likes of James O’Connor, who the Reds are keen to re-sign through until the 2023 World Cup.
“I am very excited about joining the Reds next year,” Tom Lynagh said.
“I have been watching the team develop over the past few seasons form here in the UK. There are some really exciting young players playing a good style of rugby.”
If the Reds get even half of out Lynagh Jr as they did his father – who retired from the Wallabies at Test rugby’s greatest pointscorer (911) – they will be counting their lucky stars.
