Louis Lynagh will leave Harlequins for Italian club Benetton Treviso at the end of the current season, both clubs announced on Monday, reinforcing speculation that the former England Under-20 player could become international with Italy. The 23-year-old winger, son of famous former Australian fly-half Michael Lynagh, was born in Treviso and will join the club where his father played for five years after playing for the Queensland Reds between 1982 and 1995. “Lynagh has signed a contract which will bind him to our club from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026, with the option to extend the agreement until June 30, 2027,” the Treviso club said in a statement. Louis is eligible for international selection by England, Australia and Italy, and has already been approached by Italy. Lynagh had been called up by Eddie Jones to England’s training squad in 2021, but did not make an appearance for the national team.
“We look forward to seeing his career develop at Benetton Treviso and potentially in Italy. We wish him the best for the rest of his career in Italy,” said Billy Millard, Harlequins director of rugby. Lynagh joins his hometown club Treviso. Benetton Treviso provides 17 of the 36 Italian players selected by new coach Gonzalo Quesada for the 2024 Six Nations Tournament. The Italian club is currently second in the United Rugby Championship (former Celtic League) standings.
“Joining Benetton Rugby is a new challenge for me, and I am very excited. I have lived in England since I was four years old, but Italy and Treviso have always been in my heart,” said Louis Lynagh. “I was born in Treviso, my mother was born in Treviso and my grandfather lives there with other members of his family. My father played a vital role not only in my rugby career, but also in my life. He always wanted the best for me and always agreed with the decisions I made. He told me that playing in Treviso would be best for me and my style of rugby.”Lynagh joined Harlequins aged 13 and has scored 27 tries in 58 matches since making his debut in 2019. His brother Former Harlequins academy member Tom has joined the Queensland Reds in 2021, meaning the fly-half is set to play for Australia.
