Exclusive: Wallaby-in-waiting Lynagh re-signs with Reds in boost for Aussie rugby
06/22/2024 03:30 PM
A day after being called up to the Wallabies for the first time, rising star Tom Lynagh has put pen to paper to sign a contract extension with the Queensland Reds.
Lynagh was already contracted until the end of 2025, but in a major nod to Les Kiss and his coaching team, the playmaker has chosen to extend his time at Ballymore until the end of 2026, The Roar can reveal.
His retention comes despite huge interest from Italian coach Gonzalo Quesada, who was keen to lure the classy young fly-half to Europe to join his older brother Louis.
You can understand why too, with the playmaker showing many of the traits his father, Michael, displayed during his decorated career.
"I see a very sharp brain, vision and he also has time," the voice of rugby Gordon Bray told The Roar Rugby podcast last week.
"I see a young Michael Lynagh, he's a clone of his dad. He's obviously a very talented player."
Queensland Reds rising star Tom Lynagh has extended his stay at Ballymore until the end of 2026. (Photo by Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Bray isn't the only judge to think so either, with Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt naming the 21-year-old in his 38-man squad to take on Wales and Georgia over the next month.
His selection comes after another promising season for the Reds, where he was instrumental in the side making another quarter-final.
While the Reds were stopped at the quarter-finals by the Chiefs for the second straight season, Lynagh's poise and strong skill set have stood out since making his Super Rugby debut against the Hurricanes last year.
"I think right from the start of the season, Tom, was hitting the ball long," Schmidt said on Friday at his first Wallabies squad announcement.
"He’s a courageous man. Anyone who gets up is, I wouldn’t say quickly from Samipeni Finau hitting him, but he got up and continued to play.
"And he challenges the line. He’s got good acceleration.
"So, you know, he’s young and he’s still got a lot to learn. And we’re going to try to fast-track that learning over the next four weeks, really."
Lynagh’s long boot was on display against the Waratahs in the final round of the regular season, with the playmaker banging over a penalty from near halfway to secure the Reds a dramatic win over their arch-rivals.
His link play is something that will have also impressed Kiss and Schmidt, with the respected coaches working alongside Irish legend Johnny Sexton for years in Ireland.
While it's unlikely Lynagh will start against Wales, with Noah Lolesio expected to get first crack at wearing the No.10 jersey under Schmidt, the blonde-haired playmaker could get an opportunity later in July.
