The son of a World Cup-winning rugby legend who was once part of Eddie Jones' England squad is now set to face Wales in this year's Six Nations.
On Monday, it was confirmed that Harlequins star Louis Lynagh - the son of Wallabies icon Michael Lynagh - would be leaving the Premiership side to join Benetton Rugby ahead of the 2024/25 season. The 23-year-old wing completed the move to the URC outfit with the aim of one day representing Italy, the country of his birth.
However, Lynagh's international aspirations are set to be realised far sooner than expected, with Gonzalo Quesada naming him in his Six Nations squad. Join WalesOnline Rugby's new WhatsApp Channel here.
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Currently uncapped at senior level, the Quins man is eligible for three nations, qualifying for Australia through his father, who captained and won 72 caps for the Wallabies, winning the 1991 World Cup and ending his career as the world points scoring record holder.
Having moved to England with his family aged four, he would also qualify for Steve Borthwick's side on residency grounds. He was called up to Eddie Jones' squad for a training camp in 2021 having represented England at U16 and U18 level, but never made a senior appearance.
Lynagh qualifies for Italy having been born in Treviso in 2000, while his father was playing for Benetton. A report from Italian publication il mattino claims that he had been on the Azzurri's radar for some time, but had rejected the advances of former head coaches Franco Smith and Kieran Crowley before agreeing to join Quesada's squad.
His call-up means that he is in line to make his Italy debut against France on February 25, while he could also face Wales on Super Saturday, March 16. The report goes on to claim that his younger brothers, 19-year-old Tom and 15-year-old Niccolo, are also being monitored by Italy, having both been born there too.
Lynagh joined Quins at under-13 level and has scored 27 tries in 58 senior appearances for the club. He burst onto the scene during the 2020/21 season, when he scored six tries in 11 matches to help his side claim the Premiership title, bagging a brace in the final.
Confirming his Harlequins departure earlier this week, the wing told the club's website: “It’s been a difficult decision to leave my boyhood club, but I feel the time is right for a new challenge in Italy. I have loved my time at Quins and made lifelong friends, working with some of the best players, coaches, and staff, and achieving the ultimate Premiership success in 2021.
"I would like to thank all the Quins fans who have supported me over my career. It’s been amazing to play in front of a packed Stoop every week, and I can’t wait for a massive finish to our season.”
