"Like his father" - Eddie Jones has pinched Lynagh for the Wallabies

Thursday, 23 February 2023 at 09:55

byRugby Rucker

Australia boss Eddie Jones has drawn comparisons between young No.10 Tom Lynagh and his father, Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh.

During his career, Michael Lynagh played 100 games for Queensland and won the 1991 World Cup with the Wallabies in 72 Test matches.

Following in the footsteps of his illustrious father, the 19-year-old will make his debut for the Reds on Saturday.

Tom was born in Italy and grew up in England but opted to relocate to Australia and pursue his own Wallabies career while brother Louis, who plays for Harlequins, was almost capped for England by Jones.

“It’s a great story,” Australia coach Jones, who will be at the match, told AAP.

“The son of one of the greats playing in Townsville, a great rugby town for Australian and Queensland rugby.

“To make his debut there is fantastic.”

Jones added: “I watched him in (a trial game in) Narrabri and club rugby (for University of Queensland last year),”

“Nice skills, outstanding kicker of the ball like his father and has the potential to be a very good player.”

Brooke and Lomu’s sons confirms he will not play for All Blacks

Here's a list of rugby legends sons who are set to play for other countries, including the son of All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu.

#1. Lucas Brooke (England)

Age: 21
Club: London Irish
Position: back-row
Dad: Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)

Brooke, who can play across the back-row or at hooker, grew up in England so is fully qualified to wear the red rose. The powerhouse has represented Berkshire at county level and regularly played for his school, Wellington College. He's since become a regular for England U20.

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#2. Louis Lynagh (England)

Age: 22
Club: Harlequins
Position: Fullback
Dad: Michael Lynagh (Australia)

The son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, the fullback made his Premiership debut during the final round of the 2019/20 Gallagher season against Leicester Tigers. He is yet to declare his allegiance, but has represented England at age-grade, captaining England U16. and playing for the U18’s.

He is also eligible for Italy/

#3. Manu Vunipola (England)

Age: 22
Club: Saracens
Position: Fly-half
Dad: Elisi Vunipola (Tonga)

Vunipola comes from vintage rugby stock and is already well on his way to following in the footsteps of cousins Billy and Mako as part of the England U20s set-up. His dad, Elisi Vunipola, played in Super Rugby for the Brumbies, as well as appearing 41 times for Tonga – including at the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups – and was his country’s most-capped player upon retirement in 2005.

#4. Jacob Umaga (England)

Age: 22
Position: Fly-half
Dad: Mike Umaga (Samoa)

The surname Umaga carries a lot of weight in rugby. Mike Umaga won 13 caps for Samoa, while Tana is one of the All Blacks’ most respected captains. And it appears the name could live on with Jacob, son of Mike and nephew of Tana, who is seen as one for the future for England after being called up for the Autumn Nations Cup.

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#5. Dhyreille Lomu

Age: 15
Position: Wing
Dad: Jonah Lomu

Lomu, who currently plays on the wing, was born in France during his Dad’s brief stint playing for Marseille, hence any eligibility discussions wouldn’t be an issue. Known as Frenchie at school in New Zealand, the aspiring youngster has already began to impress at a number of age-grade tournaments in New Zealand.