Lynagh legacy grows at Reds as 18-year-old joins Wallaby brother

Another Lynagh is heading to Queensland, with teenage outside back Nic set to add to the family legacy after signing a one-year deal with the Reds Academy. Lynagh will move from London to Brisbane later this year, joining older brother Tom at Ballymore.

‘Lynagh’ is possibly the most famous surname in Reds history, with Tom making 13 Super Rugby Pacific appearances for the Queensland club in 2025, before starting all three matches for the Wallabies against the British & Irish Lions at fly-half.

Nic is the youngest son of legendary Australian playmaker Michael Lynagh, who steered the team to Rugby World Cup glory in 1991. The Wallabies great enjoyed a decorated Reds career as well, playing more than 100 games in Queensland colours during the 1980s and 90s.

Older brother Louis hasn’t followed the same path, instead playing club rugby for Harlequins in England’s Premiership before moving to Benetton in the URC. The winger represents Italy at Test level, scoring a decisive try for the Azzurri in last weekend’s 26-19 win over the Wallabies in Udine.

Nic was in the stands watching the thrilling Quilter Nations Series Test.

“I’ve only heard good things about the Reds from Tom. He’s the one who planted the idea in my mind,” Lynagh said in a statement.

“The lifestyle in Queensland, the environment to improve, learning a completely different style of game…Tom has been very positive about it all. It’s made him a better player.

“I watched a lot of the Reds on TV this year so I like the way the Reds play as well.

“The move worked out for Tom. It might for me. I’m going to go for it.”

Nic was born in Chelsea, England, and went to London’s Hampton School. The fullback-winger’s first team was Richmond Rugby Club in London, before spending a few months with the senior Academy at Harlequins earlier in 2025.

The Reds recruit joins the next generation of Queensland’s rugby stars in the Academy, who Academy Head Coach Dale Roberson and Head of Athletic Performance Will Brown will lead.

“We’ve been tracking Nic’s development as a good young player for some time, right back to when the Reds signed Tom five years ago,” Sam Cordingley, the Reds General Manager, High Performance, added.

“The connection through his brother will make the transition easier at Ballymore. We are looking forward to seeing Nic develop in the Academy under Dale and Will.”

The Queensland Rugby Union have made other announcements which reflect the success of the state’s pathways, with teenagers Nicholas Conway and Treyvon Pritchard named in the Super Rugby Pacific squad last week.

Finn Mackay, Kingsley Uys and Will Ross are among those named in the Reds Development Squad. Other signings include Taione Taka, Bennett Armistead and Levi Slater.