Bernard Jackman: Mack Hansen's Lions pick a surprise but Andy Farrell always a fan of Irish wing

RTÉ News​

08-05-2025

Bernard Jackman says Mack Hansen's inclusion in the Lions squad is something of a surprise but that Andy Farrell has always been a big fan of the Connacht wing.
The 27-year-old Canberra native is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and has endured an injury disrupted season, having missed half of last season with a shoulder issue.
He was also banned for three games in the New Year after his outburst at officials following Connacht's narrow URC loss to Leinster.
Despite this Hansen has made the cut and is one of 15 Ireland players who will tour Australia for their nine-game tour this summer.
After the squad was named in London this afternoon, Hansen was the Irish player picked to speak on Sky Sports with Farrell joking that it was the other coaches who picked the outspoken Aussie.
"I'm lost for words, for the first time in my life, which is good for Faz to hear," said Hansen, who has scored 12 tries in 28 Ireland games.
"Bundee [Aki] was meant to do [this interview] but he's minding the kids."
🗣️ "Bundee was meant to do it but he's minding the kids"
Mack Hansen was "lost for words" after his British and Irish Lions inclusion 🤣 pic.twitter.com/HVtIQPo2Mf
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) May 8, 2025
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, former Ireland and Leinster hooker Jackman said: "Yeah, Mack is probably a surprise.
"Andy Farrell has always been a huge fan of his. He's a phenomenal player but has had a stop-start season with injury, but we know what we can do."
Forwards Dan Sheehan, Rónan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier are included as well as Ireland backs Bundee Aki Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe, Garry Ringrose and Hugo Keenan.
Caelan Doris (above), however, misses out after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury picked up in Saturday's Champions Cup defeat.
Farrell has backed the Leinster and Ireland captain to return stronger but didn't provide any timeline for Doris' recovery. He confirmed he'd spoken to the 27-year-old.
"You can imagine, he's devastated," Farrell told reporters after the announcement.
"He would have definitely been in the mix, such an experienced player and leader.
"It's devastating for people like that but the stories are constant in every single tour, aren't they, and sport can be cruel sometimes.
"Caelan will be back bigger and stronger."
Meanwhile, former Lions out-half Johnny Sexton, who was added to the coaching ticket soon after taking up a permanent role with Ireland spoke about his involvement.
"Looking after the kicking side of the game," said Sexton.
"Obviously, there's amazing talent picked there from that point of view. I'll be there to help them out wherever I can. It's a short tour, so being able to change too much won't be a thing.
"I'll be there. I've experienced a lot as a kicker, I've experienced a lot as a player.
"Being able to pass on my experience to these players is something I'm really passionate about."
As expected, Sam Prendergast missed out on selection.
Jackman says the 22-year-old will have more opportunities to impress.
"He's so young, he has potentially three Lions tours ahead of him. So has Jack Crowley, they all have time on their side."