Tom Lynagh makes call on future ahead of home Rugby World Cup

Wallabies and Queensland Reds fly-half Tom Lynagh has re-committed to Australian rugby until at least the end of next year, with Rugby Australia and Queensland Rugby Union announcing the contract update on Thursday.

Lynagh was asked about his future at a media event in Brisbane earlier this week, as World Rugby celebrated 500 days to go until Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. The playmaker remained coy, saying, “We’re close to working something out.”

Two days later, Lynagh has become the latest Wallaby to re-sign through to the showpiece event on home soil.

The 23-year-old has only made one appearance for the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific this season, having been plagued by a series of injuries. Reds coach Les Kiss has turned to Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Carter Gordon to start matches for the side.

It’s been an unfortunate spell for the seven-Test Wallaby, who enjoyed a breakout season for the national team last year. Lynagh started all three Lions Series Tests at fly-half, including an 11-point 80-minute effort in the thriller at the MCG.

“It’s great to secure my future for another year. It means I can concentrate on getting back on the field, playing some good rugby and putting my best foot forward for what is to come,” Lynagh said.

“It was a great honour to play for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions last year. At times, I still pinch myself that it happened. Playing for the Wallabies was a great goal of mine. I was a kid in London watching the Wallabies at the 2015 World Cup and that inspired me to become a rugby player.

“To wear the gold jersey is something very special. The goal now is to get fit and healthy and get some good footy under my belt so I can contend again this year and in what will be a massive year in 2027. Nothing is given so I know I’ve got hard work ahead.”

Lynagh debuted for the Reds on February 25, 2023, as a replacement against the Hurricanes at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. The Italy-born, UK-raised talent made another 11 appearances that season, which included a handful of starts.

But the 2024 campaign is when Lynagh really took over as Queensland’s first-choice fly-half, named in the run-on side nine times. Among those appearances, Lynagh steered the team around the park in the quarter-final away to the Chiefs.

Wallabies honours were ultimately just around the corner, with coach Joe Schmidt selecting the fly-half in the matchday side to take on Wales in July. Lynagh featured in another three Tests later that year, including a Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks.

Fast-forward to this season and Lynagh has only made the one appearance, coming off the bench away to the Hurricanes in round seven. But with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, the “prodigal talent” will continue to compete for opportunities at all levels.

“Tom’s strong form for Queensland was rewarded with Wallabies selection last year and those experiences, especially in the high-pressure environment of a Lions series, will serve him well as we build towards a home Rugby World Cup in 2027,” Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, explained.

“We’re pleased Tom has re-signed for a further year, adding depth and optionality to the national squad, and we look forward to him returning to the field after an unfortunate run of injuries. He has made a promising start to his international career and we believe he has continued improvement ahead of him.”

Reds coach Les Kiss added: “Tom is a prodigious talent albeit this has been a difficult season for him so far.

“His growth has been fantastic since the start of 2024. Playing against the Lions last year was just a glimpse of what is possible in his future.”