Teen son of former Wallabies captain Lynagh signs with Reds
Tom Lynagh, the son of former Australia captain and World Cup-winning five-eighth Michael, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Queensland Reds, his father's former team, the Super Rugby side said on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old, currently at English club Harlequins, will join the Reds after next year's Super Rugby AU competition.
Tom Lynagh, left, and father Michael Lynagh playing for the Wallabies.
"Like his father, Tom is a very astute five-eighth, but he has certainly created his own path," Reds general manager of professional rugby Sam 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. As a developing talent Tom is held in the highest regard internationally given he qualifies for multiple nations. We are really pleased that he has committed to the Reds and Australian rugby."
Michael Lynagh played more than 100 games for the Reds and earned 72 caps for the Wallabies and was vice-captain of their 1991 Rugby World Cup winning side.
He led the team from 1993-95 before retiring from international rugby following the 1995 World Cup in South Africa.
Tom Lynagh was born in Italy, went to secondary school in England and is eligible for all three countries.
"It’ll be great to have Tom as part of our program next year," coach Brad Thorn told the club's website.
"He will get a chance to develop alongside players such as James O’Connor. With Tom coming in and Taj Annan from BBC committing through 2023 also, we are in a good place.
"Tom is currently in the English and Harlequins Academies which is a great rugby system. He’ll have the opportunity to continue to develop here at Queensland. We look forward to seeing his progression."
Tom Lynagh will join two other sons of former Wallabies at the Reds, with number eight Angus Scott-Young's father Sam an international loose forward while prop Josh Nasser's father Brendan was a flanker in the 1991 World Cup side.
"I am very excited about joining the Reds next year," Lynagh told the Reds website.
"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.
"I am very grateful to the Queensland Reds as it is a wonderful opportunity for me to develop as a rugby player and a person."
Reuters
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