Louis Lynagh has been thrust straight into Italy’s training squad before their next Six Nations game with France, two days after the announcement that he will join Benetton at the end of this season.
Lynagh, son of former Australian World Cup-winning five-eighth Michael Lynagh, will leave English club Harlequins for the Italian club in July, and the 23-year-old has now been called up by head coach Gonzalo Quesada in his training squad announced on Wednesday.
The Italian-born wing is a former England Under-20 player and has previously been called up to England’s senior training squad but has yet to be capped, and is also eligible to play for Australia.
Monty Ioane, born in Melbourne, is also in the Italian squad, having qualified under residency rules.
Prop Simone Ferrari returns to the squad after missing the first two games while Sebastian Negri, Lorenzo Cannone, Pietro Ceccarelli and Edoardo Iachizzi are all ruled out through injury.
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Tommaso Allan has not been included after the five-eighth requested a period of rest from international duty.
“Tommaso is an excellent professional and, more importantly, a person of unquestionable value,” Quesada said.
“The men, even before the athletes, are at the centre of our evaluations and that’s why, after discussing with Tommaso and fully understanding his needs, we decided together with him for an additional rest period.”
Italy, who lost their opening two games to England and Ireland, are away to France on February 25, and their training camp begins in Rome on Sunday, February 18.
Italian squad: Forwards: Simone Ferrari, Danilo Fischetti, Matteo Nocera, Luca Rizzoli, Mirco Spagnolo, Giosue Zilocchi, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Marco Manfredi, Giacomo Nicotera, Matteo Canali, Niccolo Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Andrea Zambonin, Riccardo Favretto, Alessandro Izekor, Michele Lamaro, Ross Vintcent, Manuel Zuliani. Backs: Alessandro Garbisi, Martin Page-Relo, Stephen Varney, Paolo Garbisi, Leonardo Marin, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Federico Mori, Marco Zanon, Ange Capuozzo, Monty Ioane, Simone Gesi, Louis Lynagh, Francois Mey, Lorenzo Pani.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Wish I’d been good enough to be eligible and considered for one country. To be eligible and considered by three? Tough decision. But he’s made it now so good luck to him. And if he can be a part of the group that lifts Italy off the floor of 6N, even better.
whistleblower (retired)
Roar Rookie
Are you confusing Louis with Tom?
whistleblower (retired)
Roar Rookie
We will no doubt never know but I wonder who 'Dad' feels has more potential; Louis or Tom?
Skippy89
Roar Rookie
Disappointed Aus didn't make a play for him. He would be a good super player and Wallaby standard in my view. I imagine there was not much money available given the state of our game and he isn't streets ahead of what we have to justify it. But... I also respect his loyalty to England/Italy.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
You friends with the Cosa Nostra?
Mirt
Roar Rookie
I heard he’s signed for the Reds as well just in case he doesn’t get a trot next weekend