The famous Lynagh name is gracing Ballymore once more.
The son of rugby royalty, a pale faced Tom Lynagh has emerged from two weeks of quarantine to start life with the Queensland Reds on a bold journey he hopes will end in Wallabies gold.
Born in Italy and raised in England, Tom is the 17-year-old son of legendary five-eighth Michael Lynagh, who guided Australia to its first Rugby World Cup in 1991.
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Tom’s decision to move Down Under stunned London-based Michael, given the young playmaker was making strong progress in the Harlequins and England academy systems.
And older brother Louis – an outside back – had paved the way by scoring two late tries to win a dramatic Premiership final with Harlequins in June.
“We were sitting in the car and he (Tom) said ‘I don’t really want to play in that, I want to go to Australia.’ It was a bit of a shock,” Michael said.
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“It was a bold decision by Tom to leave the comfort of where he was to say ‘that’s what I want to do.’
“I was very proud of him to make such a big decision rather than follow in his brother’s footsteps, but I don’t think it had anything do to with bucking the trend.
“It was just what he wanted to do, he’s lucky the Reds gave him the opportunity to do that and he’s done nothing so far, so he knows it’s now up to him.”
Lynagh is the only new face in the 32 man Queensland squad for next year’s inaugural Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The youngster will get to learn his craft behind Wallabies star James O’Connor, who has matured into a terrific mentor and leader.
“I have always dreamt of playing for Australia,” Tom said.
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“I might not get the opportunity but it’s just about the dream and the Queensland Reds seem like a good place to help me reach that.
“I’ve always just followed Australian rugby for as long as I can remember.
“I just like the brand of rugby they play down here. It’s more exciting and it’s the direction rugby should go towards to grow the game.”
Michael, who played 72 Tests for Australia and 100 games for Queensland, said his sons had coped well with having such a famous father.
“I get stick from the boys when I start talking, but it’s all been pretty low key, we don’t have memorabilia around the house,” Michael said.
“Going through school people know the name and they’ve dealt with it very well.
“Hopefully he’ll (Tom) find his way and make his own stories.”