Wallaby fans want son of Michael Lynagh to play for Australia
Wallabies great and retired rugby superstar Michael Lynagh wants his son to wear green and gold before the door closes on him representing Australia.
Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice but Australian rugby union fans are praying Louis Lynagh does both.
The 18-year-old son of Wallabies legend Michael is yet to declare his allegiance after making his international debut as vice-captain for the England Under-16 side.
He has since then worn the red rose for the Under 18 and Under 19 national sides but because of world rugby’s eligibility laws, the door hasn’t closed on representing Australia until he plays U20 or senior level for England.
Which is where dad, with some help of the current Australian team, come in.
Lynagh Snr, who has openly said he wants his son to wear the green and gold, and Louis visited Sydney for the World Cup team announcement, and Wallabies stars — Christian Lealiifano and Matt To’omua — put the hard word on the teenager.
“We were in the lift of the hotel and two of the current Australian players got in there,” Lynagh Snr said.
“One of them said ‘are you English or Australian mate? You’re not a pom.’ And he said. ‘nah mate, I’m Australian’ in his Surrey (English) accent.
“I think he still considers himself Australian-Italian as opposed to English.”
Louis was barracking for Australia in the Ashes, so there is some hope and a good showing by the Wallabies at the World Cup in Japan will also help.
The Wallabies kick off their campaign against Fiji tomorrow (Sat) night attempting to break their 20-year World Cup drought.
Lynagh, who has brought up his family in London, has opened up about the fortunes of his oldest son who has just started his professional career.
Louis was born in Italy in 2001, where Michael met his Italian wife Isabella.
The pair has three children including Louis, and his brothers Tom, 16, and Nicolo, 12.
Louis starred for Hampton School last year and is now playing for Harlequins as an academy player.
Speaking at the family’s London home, Louis said he had enjoyed his first six weeks as a professional player.
“I’ve been brought up to be Australian but I am Italian as well but I’ve played for England since I was 16 and all my mates are here,” he said.
“I’ve been here since I was five.
“I’m living here right now but … the chance to play international rugby, you don’t get much of that.
“We’ll see (what happens), that’s the future, it depends if I play well enough to earn that.”
Lynagh, who earned 72 international caps, captained Australia before retiring in 1995.
He was vice-captain when Australia defeated England to win the 1991 World Cup at Twickenham.
Lynagh has tipped Wales to be the danger game.
“If we can win the pool our road through to World Cup glory is infinitely easier than going on the other side,” he said.
“If you go the other side it’s likely that you end up with England in the quarters. And then you might get New Zealand or South Africa to get there.
“There’s not many teams that would like to play Australia in World Cup knockout.”
Lynagh, who suffered a stroke that could have been fatal in 2012, said his health was good.
He has been back driving, despite some partial vision loss, which he said only affected his golf game.
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