Queensland Reds’ co-captain Liam Wright has declared 2025 must be the season that announces Tom Lynagh as a Wallabies’ five-eighth for the long haul, after the departure of his “big brother” mentor.
The son of former Test great Michael Lynagh commanded the No.10 jumper for much of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign, feeding off the knowledge of injured veteran James O’Connor.
A hamstring concern suffered on the eve of the season cost O’Connor the majority of his final year at Ballymore, but he returned before the finals and played swansongs against Wales and Tonga.
Tom Lynagh made his Wallabies’ debut this year.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
The 34-year-old, who donned the Wallabies colours 62 times, was revealed to have signed with the Crusaders, despite Reds coach Les Kiss confirming the club had offered him a new deal.
“I’m departing Queensland a better player, leader and man, and I’m so grateful to have been able to play for this team, my home. I have no doubt there’s a lot of success to come,” O’Connor said.
“My whole career I’ve heard so much about the Crusaders’ culture and innovation, so to experience it first-hand and learn a new way of playing the game is something I’m really looking forward to.”
As Lynagh waits to hear whether he will continue his Wallabies’ progression in next month’s Spring Tour in Europe, the 2025 Super Rugby draw has posed some early challenges he will need to overcome.
The Reds improved during Kiss’ first year at the helm, finishing fifth while conquering three New Zealand outfits, however two fatal flaws cruelled them of a home final.
The first was slow starts away from home, as they found themselves behind early against the Western Force, Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua, before staring down a 28-0 deficit in their quarter-final loss to the Chiefs.
The second was an inability to close out tight contests they led – an extra-time loss to the Hurricanes compounded by defeats to the Blues and Brumbies at the death.
The onus will fall on Lynagh to control proceedings, with road trips to Perth, Christchurch and Dunedin all within the first six rounds.
However, Wright backed the 21-year-old to thrive with the extra responsibility – even without O’Connor’s mentorship.
“Responsibility yes, but faith more importantly. I think Les and the coaching staff have really shown an injection of faith into Tommy,” Wright said.
“I was just talking to Rabs [O’Connor] after his announcement. It’s been a good journey for us. We were thinking back to the days of our initial leadership groups and working with each other. It’s been a long ride.
“It was great he could come back and get that swansong in Aussie rugby that he wanted, and deserved as well, because he’s given us a lot.”
Liam Wright on James O’Connor
“It takes away that big brother network and makes the other guys step into his shoes, rather than potentially having a safety blanket.
“It’ll be really good for them to be forced to step up … and you can see Tommy is doing that for the Wallabies already. He’s really growing his game and growing as a person.”
The Reds fly to Japan this month ahead of their clash with Saitama Wild Knights on November 4.
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