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Fresh off his maiden starting appearance in Wallabies colours in defeat to the British and Irish Lions, Tom Lynagh will be bracing for a future in which he is pitted against his brother.
The Australian five-eighth’s Super Rugby Pacific outfit, the Queensland Reds, have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Italian side Benetton – the club which the 22-year-old’s older sibling, Louis Lynagh, currently plays for.
Four Reds – Josh Flook, Richie Asiata, John Bryant and Louis Werchon – will leave in July for a three-month secondment, in which they will feature in Europe’s United Rugby Championship.
Lynagh brothers Louis (left) and Tom (right).Credit: Getty
Queensland will travel to Treviso for the first time in November 2026 when they will face-off with Benetton, opening the door for the Lynagh boys to square off, after their father – Wallabies great Michael Lynagh – won trophies at each club.
“The connection was made through Michael Lynagh,” Reds general manager of high performance Sam Cordingley said.
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“Right from the start, we have felt a genuine will to create opportunities that can benefit two proud clubs and two strong brands.”
Cordingley, and Benetton general manager of rugby Antonio Pavanello, launched discussions of the partnership in January as the Australian side took part in their European tour, in which they clashed with Bristol and Ulster.
It followed contests with Wales, Tonga and Japanese franchise Saitama Wild Knights in 2024, while they also battled the Lions this month and hope to include another fixture on their Italy tour.
“In my conversations with Antonio, we have talked through all things URC and Benetton Rugby and where the needs and opportunities lie for both clubs,” Cordingley said.
“The wonderful experiences through secondments like this will not only support player development, with more matches outside Super Rugby, but also retention.
“The players will also add depth in key positions at Benetton Rugby. We want to be a club that leverages the appeal of rugby as an international game.
Queensland Reds centre Josh Flook (left) with teammate John Bryant (right), who is pictured in a Benetton jersey.Credit: Reds Media
“Rather than players leaving the club to experience chances like this, we are creating something unique while they are still Reds players with secondments at a famous club in a beautiful part of Italy.”
The Queensland quartet will embark for Italy this month and return in October, making them available to play in the opening rounds of the United Rugby Championship in September, while remaining available for Wallabies selections beyond the Lions tour.
It does, however, mean they will be unavailable for the Reds in this year’s launch of the Super Rugby AUS competition, in which the Australian sides will feature in three additional rounds before a final from September 13.
Pavanello described the initiative as a “shared vision to create an international rugby ecosystem capable of generating value, growth and new opportunities for players, staff and fans alike”, while enabling Benetton fill voids caused by international commitments and mandatory rest periods.
Opportunities for Australia’s rugby stars to play beyond the Super Rugby’s current 16-round format has been a primary focus in retention policies at Ballymore, with the code losing a host of talented prospects to rugby league and more lucrative overseas union competitions.
Bryant, who re-signed with the Reds until the end of 2026, expressed his excitement for the forthcoming Italian venture.
“It’s awesome what the Reds are doing with more international opportunities,” he said.
“I’m learning different skills and ways to play the game with these chances…and I love my pasta. I can’t wait.”
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