The Queensland Reds are delighted to lock in rising flyhalf Tom Lynagh on a new deal which will keep him in Queensland until the end of 2026.
Lynagh’s current two-year contract to the end of 2025 has been extended now terms have been settled for an extra year in 2026.
The young No.10’s poise and skills have been developed in 23 Super Rugby Pacific games for the Reds over the past two seasons.
At just 21, Lynagh’s potential to be a big part of Australian rugby’s future has been recognised further this week with his naming in the first Wallabies squad of new coach Joe Schmidt.
“With all I’ve learnt this year and the potential in the Queensland squad to go much further as a team, it’s been a really easy decision to extend at the Reds,” Lynagh said.
“When I see guys like Hunter (Paisami), ‘Flooky’ (Josh Flook), ‘Smithy’ (Ryan Smith) and Josh (Nasser) signing, I know they have the same idea as me to be part of something strong going forward.
“The new coaching staff have made me a smarter player and I feel I’ve improved significantly. That’s general understanding, management of the game, being able to direct the forwards better and just more experience.
“It’s been a really positive environment to improve as a 10 with Harry (McLaughlin-Phillips), Lawson (Creighton) and James (O’Connor) all at the Reds to keep pushing each other to improve.”
The blond-haired flyhalf was born in Italy and is the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh.
Lynagh’s selection in the 38-man Wallabies squad, which enters camp in Brisbane today, is also vindication of his own bold step into the unknown in 2021.
He was just 18 in 2021 when he left his family in London and landed in Brisbane to forge his own path in rugby without a senior game behind him.
That assurance is part of the reputation he is building on his own as Tom Lynagh.
“Growing up in an Australian-Italian home, I watched every game played by the Wallabies. I have always dreamt of playing for Australia,” Lynagh said of his initial move to Brisbane.
“I’m extremely grateful to be picked in my first squad and be that bit closer.”
Sam Cordingley, the Reds General Manager-Professional Rugby, first got Lynagh’s signature on a contract in 2021.
“To move overseas as a teenager to pursue your rugby dreams shows the sort of character we value highly in Tom at the Reds,” Cordingley said.
Added Reds Head Coach Les Kiss: “For Tom to re-sign is a great endorsement for the Reds and the program.
“His development this year has been fantastic. What I love is Tom understanding he has so much to learn and him wanting to do the hard work to get there.”
Position: Flyhalf
Height: 178cm
Weight: 83kg
Born: 14/04/2003
Place of birth: Montebelluna, Italy
Senior Club: University of Queensland
School: Epsom College, England
Junior Club: Richmond Rugby Club, England
Queensland debut: 2023 v Hurricanes in Townsville
Queensland caps: 23
Queensland points: 110 (31 cons, 16 pens)
