Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott has backed Tom Lynagh to spearhead Australia’s charge towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup, following Noah Lolesio’s defection to Japan.
Lolesio was Test coach Joe Schmidt’s preferred No.10 throughout 2024, but will head overseas for the 2026 campaign, with an option to remain in 2027.
Tom Lynagh, 21, made his Wallabies debut in 2024.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
While it does not officially exile him from this year’s British and Irish Lions tour, Schmidt made a statement when he uninvited Langi Gleeson from a preseason camp after signing to play in France.
Lynagh looms as his most in-form option.
The 21-year-old son of Test great Michael Lynagh came off the bench in the Queensland Reds’ 27-15 loss to the Chiefs as part of the club’s rotation policy, scoring a try after the buzzer.
But his efforts across the opening seven rounds of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign have been key in his side’s surge to third on the ladder, leading McDermott to praise his rise from the “quiet kid” to chief general.
McDermott, who will play his 100th game for the Reds against Lolesio’s Brumbies on Saturday, said Lynagh’s composure had shown in tight wins against the Force (twice) and Highlanders.
“He’s definitely put himself in the frame, and he’s done that by consistently performing. The confidence he brings when he’s playing that type of footy is no easy feat,” McDermott said.
“He had to learn pretty quickly because he was thrown into the hot seat when he was still trying to learn.
“He’s had a lot of pressure on his shoulders, as all 10s do, but a young 10 in particular with a big last name, you’re always expected to perform.
Noah Lolesio is off to Japan for the 2026 season.Credit: Getty Images
“We’ve had some games where it’s been pretty close, and over the last couple of years we slipped away in those moments.
“But the way he’s kept himself cool, calm and collected in those pressure moments has been what I’ve really enjoyed about him.”
After managing four Tests off the bench last year, Lynagh’s confidence has skyrocketed – his desire to run the ball while maintaining his booming kicking game culminating in a crucial try assist against the Force two weeks ago.
That performance came against fellow five-eighth contender Ben Donaldson, with Schmidt in attendance, while he holds strong existing combinations with established Wallabies McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson.
Lolesio admitted the uncertainty around Schmidt’s successor when his tenure would end this year factored into his move, with Reds coach Les Kiss and former England honcho Stuart Lancaster reported as leading contenders.
“I definitely wanted to stay. But it’s just the unknown of what the future holds. It’s a stressful time, not just for myself, but for boys off contract at the moment.”
But McDermott was content with the process to find the right coach.
“There have been three or four coaches in my time, and it’s never affected how I’ve played. It’s not like that decision is going to be made if I tell them to hurry up,” he said.
