Son of rugby great Michael Lynagh signs for Reds

Michael Lynagh. (Getty Images)

The teenage son of Australian great Michael Lynagh has been snapped up by the Queensland Reds, the Super Rugby franchise announced on Monday, after he drew comparisons with his father when playing in England.

Tom Lynagh, 17, signed a two-and-a-half year deal until 2023, moving from Harlequins to follow in the footsteps of his father, a flyhalf who captained the Wallabies in 15 Tests and helped them to victory at the 1991 World Cup.

“I am very excited about joining the Reds next year,” Lynagh said in a club statement.

“There are some really exciting young players playing a good style of rugby,” he added. “I am very grateful to the Queensland Reds as it is a wonderful opportunity for me to develop as a rugby player and a person.”

Michael Lynagh, who amassed 72 Test caps and now lives in England, said his son asked his advice about returning home to ply his trade.

“He said he likes the way they play rugby in Australia and New Zealand and he felt the hard grounds would suit him,” Lynagh, 57, told The Australian newspaper.

He added that he told his son to compile a highlights package to send to coaches, piquing the interest of the Reds.

Tom Lynagh will leave the England Academy system and his schooling at Epsom College to move to Australia, while his elder brother, Louis, will remain with Harlequins.

The 2020 Super Rugby season, including teams from Argentina, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, was halted by the coronavirus pandemic in March.

Its future format is unclear, although Australia and New Zealand have both announced domestic Super Rugby tournaments for next year and South Africa have withdrawn most of their teams to seek opportunities in Europe.