Lynagh teen joins Wallaby brother at Ballymore
Murray Wenzel |
Nic Lynagh will join brother Tom at Ballymore next season as the family’s Queensland Reds legacy grows.
The 18-year-old will arrive from London later this month to begin training with the Reds’ academy on a one-year deal.
The outside back admitted the idea was planted by 22-year-old Tom, who made the move five years ago and started in the Wallabies’ No.10 for all three British and Irish Lions Tests earlier this year.
Tom’s move came after father Michael had played 100 games for the Reds and won a World Cup in a 72-Test Wallabies career.
The Lynagh trio were in the stands in Udine to watch eldest brother Louis, 24, score for Italy in their defeat of Australia on Saturday.
Tom had won the battle to wear the No.10 to begin this Test season but, after a head knock and nagging hamstring injury, was left out of Joe Schmidt’s European tour squad.
The move is a win for Australian rugby and potentially ends the prospect of all three brothers playing Tests for different nations.
“I’ve only heard good things about the Reds from Tom,” England-born Nic Lynagh said.
“He’s the one who planted the idea in my mind.
“The lifestyle in Queensland, the environment to improve, learning a completely different style of game.
“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.”
Lynagh is fresh off a three-month academy stint with English Premiership club Harlequins.
“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,” Reds football boss Sam Cordingley said.
“The connection through his brother will make the transition easier at Ballymore. We are looking forward to seeing Nic develop.”
AAP
