Lions winger born in Canberra and with a tattoo of Andy Farrell has ‘no regrets’ about his decision to play for Ireland
M
ack Hansen says he feels like is living in “an alternate universe” on the eve of his first start for the British & Irish Lions in his native Australia. The winger, qualified for Ireland through his Cork-born mother, was a youngster in the crowd when the Lions last toured Australia 12 years ago and cannot wait to line up against one of his old housemates this weekend.
The 27-year-old represented his homeland at under-20 level but says relocating to Europe was “the best decision I ever made”. Nevertheless he has been pinching himself ever since flying in as a member of the 2025 Lions squad. “It feels like I’m properly living the dream,” admitted Hansen before Saturday morning’s fixture against Western Force, for whom his former Brumbies colleague and good friend Bayley Kuenzle now plays.
“On the last Lions tour I was at the game in Canberra and the Brumbies beat them. My dad, my brother and me were sitting behind the goalposts watching it. It was mad. It seems like an alternate universe. I remember the buzz around Australia and seeing these players you didn’t really get to see. It was amazing. I always loved the Lions and I didn’t know it would be something that I’d get to do. But I’m here and I’m enjoying it.”
