Rugby Australia and Queensland Reds Extend Contract for Tom Lynagh
Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds have shown their confidence in injury-prone playmaker Tom Lynagh by extending his contract until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 23-year-old has faced a challenging season due to a persistent calf injury, along with several concerning head knocks that have kept him off the field. Despite these setbacks, his mature performances for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions last year demonstrated his potential as a key player for the future.
Tom Lynagh, the son of legendary No.10 Michael, has played seven Tests for the Wallabies. Les Kiss, the Reds coach who will take over as Wallabies coach in late July, praised Lynagh’s growth over recent seasons. “Tom is a prodigious talent, albeit this has been a difficult season for him so far,” Kiss said. “His growth has been fantastic in recent seasons. Playing against the Lions last year was just a glimpse of what is possible in his future.”
Lynagh has also been working on strengthening his physicality, adding 6kg to his frame. He believes this will pay off once he returns from injury. “I’ve felt faster and stronger the times I have trained. I’ve felt better in contact and more confident with areas of my athletic ability,” he said. “I feel those will all be assets when I do return. It’s great to secure my future for another year. It means I can concentrate on getting back on the field, playing some good rugby and putting my best foot forward for what is to come.”
In 2025, Lynagh was the most accurate goalkicker (87 per cent) in Super Rugby Pacific, and his two-try performance against the Blues on Anzac Day earned him the inaugural Sellars-Dixon Medal as player of the match. He praised the coaching environment at the Reds, particularly under Leshas, saying, “Leshas been very good over the past few years. I like the way he thinks about rugby and the game plans he’s installed where there is freedom to express yourself.”
Lynagh added, “I’ve said it before. It’s a strong environment to improve in as a No.10. It was a great honour to play for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions last year. At times, I still pinch myself that it happened.” He also shared his long-term goal of wearing the gold jersey of the Wallabies. “Playing for the Wallabies has been a great goal of mine. I was a kid in London watching the Wallabies at the 2015 World Cup and that inspired me to become a rugby player. To wear the gold jersey is something very special.”
Lynagh is now focused on getting fit and healthy. “The goal now is to get fit and healthy and get some good footy under my belt so I can contend again this year and in what will be a massive year in 2027. Nothing is given so I know I’ve got hard work ahead.”
Team Lineups for Upcoming Match
With Lynagh sidelined, Carter Gordon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, and Ben Volavola have been leading the Reds this season. Gordon is one of the front-runners for the Wallabies’ No.10 jersey and will start against Moana Pasifika on Saturday in Auckland.
Moana Pasifika v Queensland Reds
SAT 23 MAY: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland (2.35pm kickoff AEST)
MOANA (1-15):
Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Allan Craig, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Israel Leota, William Havili
Replacements:
Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Paula Latu, Alefosio Aho, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Faletoi Peni, Tuna Tuitama
REDS (1-15):
George Blake, Josh Nasser, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Treyvon Pritchard, Jock Campbell
Replacements:
Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Lachie Anderson
Referee:
Reuben Keane
Assistant Referees:
Jordan Way, Louis Trisley
TMO:
Brett Cronan
