After signing for Benetton and making a try-scoring debut for Italy, Lynagh’s career has turned on its axis but it’s a whirlwind he relishes
Before Louis Lynagh became a Test rugby player and followed in his footsteps, the great Wallaby mentioned a coincidence that appeared auspicious in conversation with his father, Michael. Speaking with Telegraph Sport beneath the Stadio Olimpico, Lynagh grinned and added, “He said nine is his lucky number and today is the 9th of March.” That is a very fortunate number, especially when you take into account that Lynagh’s debut coincided with Italy ending an almost 11-year home Six Nations losing streak.
“Go out there and trust yourself,” Lynagh went on. A couple strategic points there, but mostly, just be yourself and have faith in those around you. Since I joined the team, every guy has been incredible.
Had Lynagh not won the 2020–21 Gallagher Premiership after such an incredible season for the Harlequins, the idea of him wearing an Italy shirt would have been laughed at three years ago. He looked certain to be an England player.
It was loud on Saturday when the Stadio Olimpico sold out for the first time since 2016. Similar conditions had previously been encountered by Lynagh, when she was playing as a travelling reserve for England at the Stade de France at the conclusion of the 2022 Six Nations. After that, he vanished from view in England, and he is now departing from Harlequins, the team he joined as a teenager, to sign with Benetton at the end of the current campaign. The past three weeks have been hectic and transformative for a young man who is yet barely 23
According to Lynagh, “it has been a bit of a whirlwind.” It’s clear that leaving Quins is difficult. The opportunity to work with Benetton was incredible. I’ve been at Harlequins since I was 14, and all of my greatest friends are still there, so it’s sad. However, occasionally you have to venture outside of your comfort zone and give something new a shot in the hopes that it works. I was a little surprised by the call-up from Italy! However, I’m currently making an effort to appreciate it, maintain my composure, and do my best. I’m hoping that means I can stay in these moments forever.
Another indication that Lynagh would be okay came before the fortunate number conversation: he slept “really well.” Before Lynagh took his place on the bus, Italy held their last meetings. “I was taking it all in from a window seat; it was quite emotional.” Despite having grown up in England, Lynagh’s mother is Italian, and he was born in Treviso. This had significant meaning. “Sure, nerves play a part, but they were gone by the start.”
When attacking, he had to exercise patience since Lynagh hacking on after a rare poor ball from Finn Russell gave him an early opportunity to challenge Scotland. And after the interval, four minutes later? Clap. At halftime, Lynagh and his teammates had talked about
how Scotland’s defence has a tendency to give the backfield a lot of room. After seeing it, Paolo Garbisi sent a grubber that bounced up nicely for Lynagh, who was pursuing and had enough pace to separate Russell and Kyle Steyn. Unbelievably loud noise filled the Stadio Olimpico, yet Lynagh was unaware of it. Since everyone was bouncing on top of me, I was unable to hear much of it. Win or lose, I would love to maintain that kind of environment with a packed crowd each time we play. It’s a hefty request, but after talking to the boys in there, I can assure you that it had a significant impact.
In retaliation for Van der Merwe’s previous attempt to hold Ange Capuozzo over the try line like a bag of wheat, Lynagh subsequently assisted Capuozzo in guiding an accelerating Duhan van der Merwe into touch. Growing pains could only be seen in Lynagh’s roar, arms out for the ball to be thrown wide as Italy attacked deep in Scotland’s 22 in the run-up to Varney’s try. Given how the attack turned out, it didn’t matter, but Lynagh might have easily had two tries.
Apart from that, Lynagh has adapted to this side quite well. He was only picked up prior to Italy’s 1-1 tie with France; in his time at training, they have not lost. Wales is up next, and everyone should be thrilled about their potential after reading Lynagh’s analysis of Italy’s strategy and the skill this young team has to offer.
“The coaches have put in place a pretty strong structure, but rugby is rugby. We will accept the space if it is available. We’re adapting quite good, I believe. Our team is full of amazing, gifted players. [This victory] demonstrates when we can work together, all
the hard work and we’re up for it emotionally, it’s all there. Saying that, it doesn’t need to be a perfect storm for Italy to win. I feel like the group going forward, there is something amazing coming in and we can hopefully go into Wales with our heads held high and go for another win. I think we are building something really special.” For Italy, not England, Lynagh has made an instant impact
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