Fresh from a taste of Wallaby gold, Queensland flyhalf Tom Lynagh is ready to sink his teeth into a full season of Super Rugby Pacific.
Australia’s domestic sides all reported back for pre-season training on Monday with Lynagh, 21, a notable Reds inclusion at Ballymore.
Unlike his Wallabies teammates, who rested in preparation for a three-day satellite camp in Sydney, Lynagh featured in the Reds’ first hit-out for 2025 before heading down to join Joe Schmidt’s national group.
“After a long holiday (and a tonsillectomy) it’s good to get back into the swing of things and get the legs working,” Lynagh told media on Tuesday before departing.
“We’re all excited, it’s probably the most excited I’ve ever been coming back into it. Just knowing what we managed to do last year and how the good the vibes were around the place.
“Energy is high and that’s the way we like it around here.”
Lynagh was one of 19 new Wallabies capped last year following a 11-game Super Rugby stint that helped steer the Reds from eighth to fifth before bowing out against eventual finalists – Waikato Chiefs.
A dream Test debut against Wales and Rugby Championship minutes ensued but Lynagh says he’s plenty to prove and improve upon in a maroon jersey after missing out on a Wallabies Spring Tour berth.
With Queensland’s upcoming two-match series against Bristol and Ulster just weeks away and a British & Irish Lions series on the horizon, the young playmaker is eager to keep honing his craft before Super Rugby Pacific begins in earnest.
“(2024) was a dream year, really happy with what I managed to accomplish but plenty more still to go … starting with this Super Rugby (Pacific) season,” Lynagh said.
“Kicking’s been a big part of my game and (Wallabies staff) still want me to develop all kinds of areas whether it’s attacking, clearing or goalkicking – that was one of my poor parts in the Super Rugby season and that’s a continuous work-on for me.
“Playing at the line and picking right decision is something I’ve been working on and I feel a lot more confident and comfortable doing that as well.”
“I think everyone in Australia that plays rugby is trying to head towards that (Lions Tour) and aim for it but I want to take care of Super (Rugby Pacific) first – that’s my priority this year. If I look after that, the rest will follow.”
The departure of James O’Connor to the Crusaders has Lynagh front and centre to don the #10 jersey come Queensland’s Super Rugby Pacific opener against Moana Pasifika (Round 2) but he’ll face stiff competition from Australia U20 standout Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and new signings Mason Gordon and Jude Gibbs.
