Return of the Mack: Hansen ‘living the dream’ on Lions trip back to Australia

The Lions winger, born in Canberra and with a tattoo of Andy Farrell, has ‘no regrets’ about his decision to play for Ireland

Ireland and Lions winger Mack Hansen said leaving Australia to join Connacht was "definitely the best decision I’ve ever made". Pic: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Mack 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.