Michael Lynagh

WORLD CUP WINNER

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For a decade from his debut in 1984 to his international retirement in 1995, Michael Lynagh was one of the most recognisable players, an inspirational playmaker whose finest moments came at fly-half. By the time he played the last of his 72 internationals he had set a new point-scoring record (911) - a mark that still remains - and been a key member of the side which won the 1991 World Cup in England.

 

The zenith of his career came when along with Nick Farr-Jones he orchestrated an Australian backline that included Tim Horan, Jason Little and David Campese. He was also captain between 1993 and 1995.

 

Lynagh, who also won 100 caps for Queensland, retired from international rugby following the Wallabies' defeat to England in the quarter-final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, the same year the game turned professional. He became one of the first major signings in that new world when he joined Saracens, guiding them to a 48-18 victory over Wasps in the 1998 Tetley Bitter Cup final.

 

After quitting the game, he maintained close links as a TV pundit in the UK with both Sky Sports and ITV as well as working with the IRB. An accomplished after-dinner speaker and director for a marketing business, he suffered a stroke during a trip to Australia in April 2012.

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