1 hour ago
1
Wallabies star Tom Lynagh is closing in on a contract extension which will keep him in Australian rugby, despite enduring a horror 2026 campaign which has limited him to just 18 minutes game time.
The Queensland Reds five-eighth has battled a host of injury concerns stemming back to his last Test appearance against Argentina in September, with concussion and hamstring issues preventing him from featuring on the Spring Tour.
He has since been struck down by illness, is recovering from a reoccurring calf tear, and he admits he remains uncertain of a comeback timeline while staying hopeful he will take part in his club’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
“It’s been really tough sitting on the sidelines, in the back of meetings, and not being directly involved,” Lynagh said. “Your job as a rugby player is to get on the field and do what you can to help your team.
But Lynagh, speaking in Brisbane to celebrate the 500-day countdown to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, confirmed a new deal which would keep him at Ballymore was imminent.
He outlined his desire to don the Wallabies colours at next year’s spectacle – just as his father Michael Lynagh did, who he credits as his “idol”.
“We’re close to working something out, there will be an update very soon. I obviously want to be a part of the World Cup, so that’s a massive factor,” Lynagh said.
“I definitely want to be involved … it’d be a dream come true. Everything I do is just to try and be like him [Michael], that’s on the field and off the field too.
“It would mean the world to me to get the opportunity to represent Australia in the World Cup in the first place, so I’ve just got to get back on the field first.”
Lynagh revealed he had spent his time off the field building himself physically, having endured a battering by the British and Irish Lions last year when he stepped into the play-making duties.
The 23-year-old said he had put on 6kg through his gym work to help ensure he was more capable of withstanding the rigours of top-flight rugby.
“Every time I’ve gotten on the field this year I have felt way better – way stronger, way quicker, and just a lot more efficiency in my body in general,” Lynagh said.
“Hopefully, I can get back on the field and have a good crack at the next couple of years.”
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
