LYNAGH DUTY
Wing coy on allegiance after call-up
LOUIS LYNAGH has told of his delight at being picked by England – but stopped short of confirming his allegiance to the Red Rose.
Lynagh, son of Australian rugby legend Michael, was named on Tuesday in a 45-man training squad by another Aussie, Eddie Jones.
It is a fitting reward for powering Harlequins to title glory with two late tries in last season’s Premiership final.
Another two, for Quins at Newcastle last Sunday, means the 20-year-old has scored eight in his first 13 top-flight appearances.
And it means the race is on to secure the services of the English, Australian and Italian-qualified back-three starlet.
Lynagh was asleep when Jones phoned this week to tell him of his selection and the ex-England age group player “swiftly” called him back.
He was a little less hasty when pressed on the dilemma he faces choosing between the three nations for whom he qualifies.
“My dad has always said, ‘Focus on playing rugby – and especially playing well for Harlequins – and the rest will take care of itself’,” he said.
“The best thing about dad is he is like any other dad, he just wants to see all three of us, me and my two brothers, do the best we can with our careers. He will be proud of us no matter who we play for.
“I’ve lived here most of my life. I was born in Italy and then we moved here when I was four or five.
“I have played England age-group rugby, I was at school here and now I’m happy at Harlequins and playing well for them.
“Having this opportunity so early on is amazing.This is only the start and hopefully there are more good things to come my way.” Lynagh’s caution is understandable given the absence of guarantees in professional sport, not to mention his dad’s legendary status Down Under.
What is clear is that he is going places. Quins fans are not alone in still pinching themselves over his final-winning contribution in June.
“There was a two-week period where I kept on looking back at the video of the final 10 minutes,” he said. “I think I cried once.
“There was definitely a period where I was on cloud nine. I’m incredibly humbled to have even been in [England] contention. Just to be considered.
“My main focus is now the game [againstWorcester] on the weekend for Quins and then going into camp with my best foot forward, learning from the best players.After that, we’ll see.”