Louis Lynagh OH to join Benetton in 2024-25 season

By Harry McLusky

Louis Lynagh OH (2019) will join Italian rugby side, Benetton Treviso, for the 2024-25 season. 

Having moved from Italy at the age of four, Lynagh joined Harlequins at the age of thirteen, making his Premiership Rugby debut in 2020 in a 26-32 win over Leicester Tigers. Since then, he has racked up 42 appearances for the south-west London club, scoring 110 points. This included two tries in the 2021 Premiership Final, where Lynagh’s impact on the wing not only earned the Quins their first title in nine years, but also was enough for him to receive a call-up for Eddie Jones’ England training squad later that year.

Lynagh, who captained Hampton’s 1st XV in the 2018-19 season, has struggled with injuries in recent years, but his move to Benetton will inevitably see him return to his very best.

Despite representing England at Under-20 level, Lynagh’s switch to the Italian side may indicate his desire for an Italy call-up in the near future. Lynagh is also eligible to play for Australia, being the son of Wallaby great, Michael Lynagh, who received 72 caps.

Louis’ transfer is somewhat of a homecoming, having been born in the Italian city of Treviso, where Benetton is based. Lynagh will join up with Italian internationals such as Federico Ruzza and Sebastian Negri, under the guidance of Italian head coach, Marco Bortolami. The Italian side currently sit top of their pool in the EPCR Challenge Cup. 

Ahead of his move, Lynagh spoke to the club website, saying that:

“It’s been a difficult decision to leave my boyhood club, but I feel the time is right for a new challenge in Italy. I have loved my time at Quins and made lifelong friends, working with some of the best players, coaches, and staff, and achieving the ultimate Premiership success in 2021.”