RUGBY

between 1996 and 1998, included his famous lastminute drop goal to win a tight match against Newcastle Falcons. However, nothing during his club career could possibly match his contribution for his country. Lynagh received 72 caps for Australia, scoring 911 points in the process, and winning the World Cup in 1991 (a feat we all hope Louis may be able to match in the near future with England).

The topic of international representation was prominent, with Michael particularly reminiscing on re-watching the 1991 World Cup Final with his son, as a way to persuade him into following in his footsteps in the yellow and green of the Wallabies. Despite this brief inducement, Louis Lynagh showed appreciation towards his father’s lack of forcefulness with regards to his rugby career. Perhaps, his relaxed attitude towards his son helped to morph Louis’s perception of the game, which was perfectly summed up by his word of advice to one current Hamptonian.

In response to their question regarding the mindset he adopts towards improvement, he declared that you shouldn’t "forget about what you’re super good at. By focusing on what you’re not so good at, when you catch up with the things you are great at, you’re a completely balanced player." This mindset is also taken into training, with Louis committing "the same effort into Hampton and Harlequins."

Louis’s mentality is just one reason behind his recent successes, including his crucial two late tries against Exeter (at Twickenham) in the 2021 Premiership Final, and his subsequent call-up to the England training squad later that year. Although Louis is currently injured, he assured us that he was well on the road to recovery, and we can not wait to see where his talent takes him in the future.

With the France 2023 World Cup on the horizon, the race is on. However, no matter the outcome, it is undeniable that Louis’s feats on the rugby pitch are an inspiration to all Hamptonians. This is matched off the field by Will Kelleher, and, with both still being at a young age, the opportunities for their careers are endless.

We would like to thank Michael, Louis and Will for a fantastic TALK!, and wish them well for the future, hopefully full of rugby achievements both on and off the field.

Hampton Sports Chronicle meetings take place on a weekly basis at lunchtimes. See Mr Sharkey in the English Department for more details.

BY VISHAL SAHA