WINGING IT

My dad’s a Rugby World Cup winner – now I’m making my own way but starring for different team in Six Nations

English Premiership star had a choice of two European nations... while his father was a Southern Hemisphere legend

LOUIS LYNAGH won't be in dad Michael's shadows for long - judging by his Six Nations debut.

Lynagh Junior played for England up to Under-19s level and his father is an Australia legend.

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Louis Lynagh played for England juniors but made his senior Italy debut at home to Scotland on SaturdayCredit: EPA
Dad Michael Lynagh won 72 caps from 1988 to 1995Credit: Getty

But the 23-year-old bagged a try for Italy in Saturday's momentous clash with Scotland.

The wing was even called up once by former Red Rose boss Eddie Jones for an England training session.

But he has never been part of Steve Borthwick's plans since Jones was replaced as head coach in December 2022.

Lynagh was born in Treviso, Italy, but grew up in England.

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And he's been with Premiership club Harlequins since 2019.

His Azzurri call-up comes after he announced he will join Italian giants Benetton next season.

But although he started his international carer with a fine score, matching the achievements of Lynagh Senior will be almost impossible.

The 60-year-old was vice-captain when the Wallabies won the 1991 World Cup.

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And when he retired after defeat against England in the WC quarter-finals four years later, he'd won 72 caps.

He was also the-then world record points-scorer with 911 points.

I was Rugby World Cup poster boy but I'm skipping Six Nations to play different game ahead of Olympics

Meanwhile, son Louis had a dramatic introduction to Six Nations rugby in more ways than one.

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He notched Italy's second try amid a thrilling second half.

He sped onto a grubber kick, fended off a couple of potential tackles and went over.

And as Italy scented a famous win, he was replaced by Federico Mori on 71 minutes following an exciting baptism.

The Italy-born star will leave Harlequins for Benetton next seasonCredit: Getty
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