Latest news with #MichaelLynagh
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Tom Lynagh grateful for the support he has received during series against British and Irish Lions
Tom Lynagh admits he wasn't expecting to be Australia's starting flyhalf during the Wallabies' series against the British and Irish Lions, but says it has been a 'seamless transition' from being on the bench to wearing the No.10 jersey. The neck injury suffered by Noah Lolesio in the Wallabies' 21-18 win over Fiji earlier this month opened the selection door for 22-year-old Lynagh, whose only previous experience for Australia had been three appearances off the bench. And while he hasn't been able to guide his nation to victory in his two starts against the Lions, Lynagh said he 'done all right', but hadn't been entirely pleased with his goal-kicking. He missed his only attempt on goal in Australia's 27-19 first Test loss in Brisbane, and kicked four from six in the Lions' series-clinching 29-26 win on last Saturday's second Test in Melbourne. 'I'm a bit disappointed in my goalkicking so far,' Lynagh said. 'I feel like that's let myself and the team down a bit, but in terms of the rest of it, it's been good. 'I'm just playing part of the system, and just trying to do my role for the team, and not overplay my hand. 'I didn't quite expect it, to be honest, but it has been great. The boys around me in the team have been great. 'It felt like a seamless transition really. They've given me a lot of confidence and so has (coach) Joe (Schmidt).' Support for Lynagh has also come from his father, Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, who has flown to Australia from his England base to see his son in action. 'Dad's been out here, and I've seen him quite a few times, which has been really nice,' Tom said. Despite the three-Test series being out of Australia's reach, Lynagh was confident the Wallabies could avoid being whitewashed by beating the Lions on Saturday night at Sydney's Accor Stadium. 'It would mean a lot for all of us, and everyone that has supported us throughout the series so far,' he said. 'We put in a good performance last week (at the MCG), and hopefully we can try to do the same, and get the result in the end. 'We know there are a lot of people supporting us, and a lot of people going out to the game, so we'd just like to try to give them something back.' The Wallabies have suffered another injury blow, with winger Harry Potter (hamstring) being joined by prop Allan Alaalatoa (shoulder) on the sidelines. Wallabies forward Jeremy Williams said Alaalatoa was a 'massive part of the group'. 'We just wish him the best in his recovery and hopefully he'll be back out there soon,' Williams said. Those in contention to replace Alaalatoa in Australia's starting line-up on Saturday night include Tom Robertson, Taniela Tupou and Zane Nonggorr.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Praise for Lynagh & 'Aussie' Lion returns
The Daily Telegraph in Australia says Tom Lynagh is "on track" to be the Wallabies fly-half at their home Rugby World Cup in 2027. Lynagh, son of 1991 World Cup-winning fly-half Michael, made his first Test start in Australia's 27-19 first Test defeat by the Lions on Saturday. 'Aussie' Lion Sione Tuipulotu is also picked out after his comments that he returns to Melbourne with "a chip" on his shoulder. The 28-year-old, who scored the Lions' opening try in Brisbane, left the Rebels in 2019.
Irish Examiner
21-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Queensland Reds and Benetton join forces in unique partnership
Benetton Rugby and the Queensland Reds have announced a unique partnership which will see four Reds players join the Italian club on secondment. The partnership blossomed after an initial introduction through Wallabies great Michael Lynagh who won a championship with both the Reds in 1994 and Benetton Treviso in 1991-92. Josh Flook, John Bryant, Richie Asiata and Louis Werchon will temporarily transfer to the Treviso based club which will see the start of an exciting union between the two clubs. Over three months, the quartet will play in the United Rugby Championship. They will arrive in Italy in July and return in October meaning they will be free to play in the opening rounds of the URC in late September-October. They will remain eligible for international selection as a stipulation of the secondment. The partnership will see the Reds make a first trip to play Benetton in Treviso in November 2026. The game will be the first since 1980 that the Reds have played in Italy. The General Managers of Reds and Benetton Sam Cordingley and Antonio Pavanello began discussions in January in Treviso while the Reds were on a pre-season tour of Europe. 'The connection was made through Michael Lynagh. Right from the start, we have felt a genuine will to create opportunities that can benefit two proud clubs and two strong brands,' said Cordingley. 'Michael's history with Benetton Rugby and as a 100-game legend with the Reds makes this unique. Obviously, Michael's son Tom plays for the Reds and brother Louis plays for Benetton Rugby. 'In my conversations with Antonio, we have talked through all things URC and Benetton Rugby and where the needs and opportunities lie for both clubs. Mutual benefits will drive this partnership. 'The wonderful experiences through secondments like this will not only support player development, with more matches outside Super Rugby, but also retention. The players will also add depth in key positions at Benetton Rugby. 'We want to be a club that leverages the appeal of rugby as an international game through strong partnerships with Benetton Rugby and Japan's Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, overseas tours and unique player-staff experiences. 'Rather than players leaving the club to experience chances like this, we are creating something unique while they are still Reds players with secondments at a famous club in a beautiful part of Italy. 'We hope to be creating fixtures and opportunities with Benetton Rugby long into the future.' Pavanello spoke abut a project that goes beyond just adding new players to the roster. "We are extremely proud to announce this partnership with a club of such historical and technical value as the Queensland Reds. "This collaboration represents an important step for us in an ambitious and long-term growth path. The arrival of four players from a prestigious competition like Super Rugby allows us to further raise the overall quality of our squad and measure ourselves against a dynamic, high-paced style of rugby, rich in technical content. "The integration will take place at a crucial moment in the season when the team will have to deal with the partial or total unavailability of international players due to their commitments and the mandatory rest periods that follow. "The addition of these four Australian profiles will help maintain a high level of squad depth and competition, strengthen various roles and ensure consistency at training and in matches." "This project goes far beyond simply adding players" Pavanello continued. "It is the shared vision to create an international rugby ecosystem capable of generating value, growth and new opportunities for players, staff and fans alike." 22-year-old Bryant is looking forward to expanding his wings with the new opportunity of playing rugby with the Italian side. 'I'm super excited. It's huge to get an opportunity with a major European club. 'I've been fortunate in my time at the Reds to have opportunities to play Wales, Tonga, tour for games against Bristol and Ulster and, recently, play the British and Irish Lions. 'It's awesome what the Reds are doing with more international opportunities. I'm glad to be part of it and it's going to be really cool playing at Benetton Rugby. 'I'm learning different skills and ways to play the game with these chances…and I love my pasta. I can't wait.'
Sydney Morning Herald
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
How a Wallabies great forged a global union as Lynagh battle looms
Fresh off his maiden starting appearance in Wallabies colours in defeat to the British and Irish Lions, Tom Lynagh will be bracing for a future in which he is pitted against his brother. The Australian five-eighth's Super Rugby Pacific outfit, the Queensland Reds, have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Italian side Benetton – the club which the 22-year-old's older sibling, Louis Lynagh, currently plays for. Four Reds – Josh Flook, Richie Asiata, John Bryant and Louis Werchon – will leave in July for a three-month secondment, in which they will feature in Europe's United Rugby Championship. Queensland will travel to Treviso for the first time in November 2026 when they will face-off with Benetton, opening the door for the Lynagh boys to square off, after their father – Wallabies great Michael Lynagh – won trophies at each club. 'The connection was made through Michael Lynagh,' Reds general manager of high performance Sam Cordingley said. Loading 'Right from the start, we have felt a genuine will to create opportunities that can benefit two proud clubs and two strong brands.' Cordingley, and Benetton general manager of rugby Antonio Pavanello, launched discussions of the partnership in January as the Australian side took part in their European tour, in which they clashed with Bristol and Ulster. It followed contests with Wales, Tonga and Japanese franchise Saitama Wild Knights in 2024, while they also battled the Lions this month and hope to include another fixture on their Italy tour.
The Age
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
How a Wallabies great forged a global union as Lynagh battle looms
Fresh off his maiden starting appearance in Wallabies colours in defeat to the British and Irish Lions, Tom Lynagh will be bracing for a future in which he is pitted against his brother. The Australian five-eighth's Super Rugby Pacific outfit, the Queensland Reds, have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Italian side Benetton – the club which the 22-year-old's older sibling, Louis Lynagh, currently plays for. Four Reds – Josh Flook, Richie Asiata, John Bryant and Louis Werchon – will leave in July for a three-month secondment, in which they will feature in Europe's United Rugby Championship. Queensland will travel to Treviso for the first time in November 2026 when they will face-off with Benetton, opening the door for the Lynagh boys to square off, after their father – Wallabies great Michael Lynagh – won trophies at each club. 'The connection was made through Michael Lynagh,' Reds general manager of high performance Sam Cordingley said. Loading 'Right from the start, we have felt a genuine will to create opportunities that can benefit two proud clubs and two strong brands.' Cordingley, and Benetton general manager of rugby Antonio Pavanello, launched discussions of the partnership in January as the Australian side took part in their European tour, in which they clashed with Bristol and Ulster. It followed contests with Wales, Tonga and Japanese franchise Saitama Wild Knights in 2024, while they also battled the Lions this month and hope to include another fixture on their Italy tour.
