Why Lynagh’s fourth concussion of 2025 has the Wallabies worried

1 week ago 3

Wallabies five-eighth Tom Lynagh’s fourth concussion of the year will rule him out of Saturday’s Test against Argentina in Sydney and possibly the Bledisloe Cup.

After suffering a hit to the head in Saturday’s 28-24 win over the Pumas in Townsville, Lynagh will have to comply with World Rugby’s mandatory 12-day stand-down. Given his history of concussions, he could be rested for a longer period.

Lynagh was concussed in Super Rugby in May while playing for the Queensland Reds against the Waratahs and was concussed again in June against the Crusaders.

Lynagh’s most recent concussion before Townsville was when he was elbowed by British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan in the third Test in Sydney. That incident earned Sheehan a four-match ban.

Lynagh left the field after 56 minutes in Townsville, replaced by veteran playmaker James O’Connor. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said the initial reason for the change was that Lynagh had a tight hamstring. He was then assessed for a concussion and failed his HIA.

“We gave him an extended rest after the third test against the Lions, which was a frustrating moment for young Tom, he actually felt good after the game, and he feels good now,” Schmidt said.

Tom Lynagh leaves the field during the third Test against the Lions.

“So that’s a good first sign, but we know that he obviously can’t play next week, and it puts him in a bit of doubt for the Bledisloe because we will not be risking him in any way, shape, or form, and we’ll be getting the best medical advice around what the best course of action is from here.”

Schmidt said that he doesn’t think Lynagh needs to adjust his tackling technique.

O’Connor is available for next Saturday’s Test against Argentina, and it is expected Ben Donaldson will also be fit after recovering from an abductor strain.

O’Connor was originally due to move to join his new club, Leicester, which is now coached by Schmidt’s former Wallabies assistant Geoff Parling. He will now remain on national team duties for at least this week.

The Wallabies celebrate a great win in Townsville.

Schmidt is hopeful of keeping O’Connor with the Wallabies after that, but respects the wishes of his employers.

“I know the Leicester coach ... he was in our box during the Lions [series] and is massively supportive of the Wallabies,” Schmidt said.

“But I also know he has a responsibility to Leicester and making sure that they get the best from James because he’s signed a contract up there.

“Unfortunately, there wasn’t space for him in any of the local Super teams, so that’ll be, can I call it by negotiation?

“Because I’m not sure where he’ll sit at the moment. I know that James is available next week. He’s in camp, he’s with us.

“And then beyond that, it’ll be conversations with Geoff, and Geoff’s been very generous so far in terms of wanting James to be available. It is a reg nine window for those games, so the problem is if he has to go up there, then he’s got to come back again [for Australia]. It does become quite complicated.”