Latest news with #Hansen
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
McCarthy injury being monitored as Hansen 'on track' ahead of second Test
Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy remain doubts for the British & Irish Lions ahead of Saturday's second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground but Blair Kinghorn and Garry Ringrose have been cleared to face the First Nations & Pasifika XV on Tuesday night. Ireland wing Hansen was forced out of the selection mix for last Saturday's series opener with the Wallabies due to a foot injury sustained seven days earlier against an AUSNZ Invitational XV. Ringrose experienced delayed concussion symptoms following that game in Adelaide and was stood down for 12 days with both denied potential Test debuts for the Lions having been in contention for starts. With Tommy Freeman starting on the right wing and Huw Jones at outside centre the Lions forged a 27-19 victory at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, a game which saw Irish lock McCarthy removed on 42 minutes with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous tissues on the soles of one's feet. Neither Hansen nor McCarthy trained at the Lions' new training base at Melbourne's elite private school Xavier College on Monday following the squad's transfer from Brisbane and although assistant coach Simon Easterby was positive about their recoveries, the pair are running out of time to prove their fitness to be considered for selection ahead of Thursday's team announcement for the second Test. 'Joe is just recovering from that foot issue he had on the weekend, and that's just a wait and see type of injury,' Easterby said on Monday. 'Mack, it's just probably just a bit too soon in terms of playing tomorrow, but he's in good shape. 'He's certainly on track. It's probably one of those where we just have to get through the next 24-48 hours and then make a decision based on how he's recovering based on the stuff he's been doing over the last few days. 'Mack wasn't involved today… he's definitely on the right road to recovery, but tomorrow's game was probably slightly too soon for him. '(McCarthy) didn't train today, but there's no reason why later in the week... like anything, with those types of injuries, there's a little bit of grey around how long they take, and it's really the individual recovery that will allow us to decide whether it's right to pick him or not.' The more positive news came in Monday morning's team announcement for the final midweek game of the tour, at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, where the opposition will be a team comprised of indigenous Australian players and Pacific islanders, captained by 95-capped Wallabies fly-half Kurtley Beale a veteran of the 2013 series against the Lions. His opposite number will be another survivor of that Lions series win, Owen Farrell who gets his first start since replacing the injured Eliott Daly. Farrell has been named at inside centre with Ireland's Jamie Osborne as his midfield partner outside a half-back pairing of Fin Smith and scrum-half Ben White. There will be an-Scottish back three with Duhan van der Merwe and new arrival Darcy Graham on the wings while Blair Kinghorn makes his comeback at fly-half following a knee injury sustained 13 days earlier at the Brumbies. Graham and Osborne are two of seven players, four of them Scots, added to the tour party specifically for Tuesday's game. England's Jamie George starts at hooker, while the replacement front row of Scotland's Ewan Ashman and Rory Sutherland, and Ireland tighthead Thomas Clarkson, as well as Scottish lock Gregor Brown are on the bench. Like Kinghorn, Ringrose will be given time to stake his claim for a place named in the Lions 23 this Saturday after being named as the outside backs replacement. 'It is great to have those two back,' Easterby said of Kinghorn and Ringrose. 'Both unfortunate with their injuries, both on good form coming into the tour and both probably feel like they want to lay down a bit of a marker for the second and third Test. 'It's also great to have the guys coming in from Scotland Camp and adding and connecting in with us as well. 'It's been impressive out there, seeing everyone training who could train apart from Joe and Mack.' 'If it's as good as the week before the first Test, then it becomes really pivotal in terms of this stage of the tour, creating competition for places towards the back end.' BRITISH & IRISH LIONS (v First Nations & Pasifika): B Kinghorn (Scotland); D Graham (Scotland), J Osborne (Ireland), O Farrell (England) – captain, D van der Merwe (Scotland); F Smith (England), B White (Scotland); P Schoeman (Scotland), J George (England), F Bealham (Ireland); J Ryan (Ireland), S Cummings (Scotland); J Morgan (Wales), J van der Flier (Ireland), H Pollock (England). Replacements: E Ashman (Scotland), R Sutherland (Scotland), T Clarkson (Ireland), G Brown (Scotland), B Earl (England), A Mitchell (England), M Smith (England), G Ringrose (Ireland).
The 42
2 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Hansen 'on track' for second Test as Lions wait on McCarthy
MACK HANSEN DIDN'T train with the Lions today in Melbourne, but the Irish wing is 'on track' to be available for selection in the second Test against the Wallabies on Saturday. Ireland wing Hansen missed the first Test due to a foot injury and wasn't named in the matchday 23 for tomorrow's final midweek game against the First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. However, Connacht man Hansen could still come into contention for a place in the Lions' matchday 23 for the second Test against the Wallabies on Saturday at the MCG. 'Mack, it's just probably just a bit too soon in terms of playing tomorrow, but he's in good shape,' said Lions assistant coach Simon Easterby today after their training session in Xavier College. 'He's certainly on track [for the second Test]. It's probably one of those where we just have to get through the next 24 to 48 hours and then make a decision based on how he's recovering based on the stuff he's been doing over the last few days. 'Mack wasn't involved today. He's definitely on the right road to recovery, but tomorrow's game was probably slightly too soon for him.' Second row Joe McCarthy also sat out today's training session due to the foot injury that saw him replaced early in the second half of last weekend's win over the Wallabies. He remains a doubt for the second Test. 'Joe is just recovering from that foot issue he had on the weekend, and that's just a wait-and-see type of injury,' said Easterby. Advertisement 'He's been pretty good, and he knew what it was initially. He tried to play through it and it's one of those where it was better off that he came off. Joe McCarthy was injured in the first Test. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 'If he's felt something like that before, he might have realised what it was, and then it becomes something that he can probably manage. He knew that he wasn't fully functional, even if he wasn't too bad. 'He didn't train today, but there's no reason why later in the week… like anything, with those types of injuries, there's a little bit of grey around how long they take, and it's really the individual recovery that will allow us to decide whether it's right to pick him or not.' Easterby said the Lions coaches will wait until after tomorrow's clash with the First Nations & Pasifika XV to finalise their selection for the second Wallabies Test. Head coach Andy Farrell named a completely changed starting XV for tomorrow's game, with many players eager to impress and force their way into the second Test plans. Fullback Blair Kinghorn returns from a knee injury in the number 15 shirt, while Garry Rigrose is back from a head injury on the Lions bench. 'It is great to have those two back,' said Easterby. 'Both were unfortunate with their injuries, both on good form coming into the tour, and both probably feel like they want to lay down a bit of a marker for the second and third Test.' Owen Farrell captains tomorrow's team from inside centre, experienced hooker Jamie George starts, while the back row of Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier, and Henry Pollock will also be hoping to make statements. 'There's an opportunity for guys to play in a Lions jersey tomorrow, and opportunities for those performances to get a return on being involved next Saturday and the week after,' said Easterby. 'There's still so much to play for, for us as a team, but for guys individually as well.' Thomas Clarkson will make his Lions debut tomorrow. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO Easterby also confirmed that hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is progressing through his return-to-play protocols after head injury and is on track to be back in the selection mix ahead of the second Test. Among tomorrow night's Lions debutants are Irish outside centre Jamie Osborne and replacement tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson, who were both late call-ups to the Lions squad in Australia. Easterby works with both men in Ireland and is pleased for them. 'It goes without saying, the quality of those two individuals,' said Easterby. 'Tom's fought through a pretty tough position at Leinster, never mind in the Irish squad, and he's put in some brilliant performances. 'He really has stood up and brought that on the Emerging Ireland tour. He was certainly someone that we felt could step up over the next couple of years, but he's been excellent. 'He's fought for everything and in a pretty tough position where being a tighthead probably takes a good few years to learn your trade, he's certainly in a really good place. 'Jamie has had a brilliant couple of years. The performance he had in South Africa last summer, his performance for Leinster playing 12, 13, wing, 15, it was pretty impressive, the positions he can cover and the quality that he brings to the group as well. 'I'm really pleased with the two of them. They fully deserve being here and no doubt they'll perform really well tomorrow.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Don't become fat' – Yang Hansen credits NBA journey to father's tough love and a troubled past
Yang Hansen. Image via: AFP Yang Hansen's journey to the NBA hasn't followed a typical path. At just 20 years old, the 7-foot-1 Chinese center has gone from being an overweight teenager in Zibo to becoming the Portland Trail Blazers' most surprising Summer League breakout. But the roots of his basketball story aren't built on early trophies or flashy mixtapes. They begin with a simple, blunt piece of advice from his father, as he specifically told the young Hansen to lose some weight. Yang Hansen says NBA dream began with father's tough love and a past he had to outgrow Long before Hansen became a first-round NBA Draft pick, 16th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies before being traded to Portland, his life was off track. He struggled in school, had no clear goals, and described himself as 'a little bit of a fat boy.' It was his father who pushed him toward sports, not out of ambition, but concern. 'My father told me to try some sports… My father told me: 'Don't become fat,'' Hansen recalled in an interview with The Washington Post. It was indeed a life-changing moment for Hansen. He picked up a basketball, started grinding in the gym, and never looked back. It started as a fight against weight, but it turned into a mission. Fast forward to Summer League 2025, and Hansen is now being dubbed 'Baby Jokic' by some fans and media. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo With averages of 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game, he's turned doubters into believers. Yang Hansen finds joy in the NBA Hansen might be raw, but he's got vision, touch, and surprising court IQ. Portland coach Chauncey Billups praised his passing and called him 'a great connector.' His Summer League coach Ronnie Burrell highlighted Hansen's joy, noting how relaxed and playful he's been with teammates, especially during his John Cena 'you can't see me' celebration, which won him dinner from teammate Andrew Carr. Off the court, Hansen continues to lean on the wisdom of Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming. The Hall of Famer gave him parting advice before his move to the U.S.: 'Enjoy your food, enjoy your drinks, enjoy your sleep and enjoy everything.' Still, Hansen knows he has a long way to go. His defense needs polish, and his physical conditioning isn't quite NBA-ready. But he's taking it one step at a time. 'Be positive no matter where you go. Be happy, and try to have fun with everyone,' he said. Yang Hansen FAQs How did Yang Hansen start playing basketball? A: His father urged him to lose weight and try sports. That advice sparked his path to the NBA. Why is Yang Hansen compared to Nikola Jokic? A: His passing, vision, and all-around game as a 7'1" center earned him the 'Baby Jokic' nickname. What advice did Yao Ming give Yang Hansen? A: Yao told him to enjoy food, sleep, and life, reminding him to stay balanced and positive in the NBA. Also Read: Dwyane Wade reveals real reason why Los Angeles Lakers won't part ways with LeBron James despite swirling rumors Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
49 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No.49
The Houston Texans are less than 50 days away from kicking off the 2025 season in Los Angeles against the Rams at SoFi Stadium and we're counting down the days until a victory ensues on the west coast. Texans Wire will each day tell you which player has worn the number of the day leading up to kickoff and pick the player who ensured the number best during their time at NRG Stadium. As for today, let's take a look at who has worn No. 49 since the inaugural season in 2002. Texans players to wear No. 49 No. 49 currently belongs to no one on the team. In fact, it's the least-worn number in franchise history, having just a handful of players ever wear it during a regular season contest. What's crazier is that whenever a player takes on the mantle of No. 49, the plan seems to be keeping the number as short as possible before finally switching. Just ask undrafted free agent Jake Hansen, who was the last to wear No. 49 in 2022 before switching the following offseason. Finding a G.O.A.T. could be challenging, but we're gonna take a swing at it. Best Player: No one In over two decades, there have been two players to wear the No. 49 in a regular-season game. What's crazier is only three players in 22 years have donned the jersey while being on the practice squad, meaning it is the least-worn number in NFL history. Yes, No. 49 has been worn in the past, but Keyes was a special-teams player who lasted only one season in Houston. Hansen, who has carved out a decent role for himself since joining the Texans in 2022, proceeded to switch over to his college No. 35 following the end of his rookie campaign. During the lone season wearing No. 49, he only recorded 24 tackles and a sack. If Hansen kept the No. 49, he'd be the G.O.A.T., but with the switch, someone else could claim the title and take over as the new face of the jersey in Houston for 2026 and beyond.
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
How the Lions team looks for second Test: changes possible in the backline
One win in the books and with a chance to secure a first Lions series victory in 12 years now just 80 minutes away at the MCG this Saturday, will Andy Farrell stick or twist with his selection from the 27-19 success in Brisbane? Full-back: Hugo Keenan had a relatively free run to his Lions Test debut at number 15 once Blair Kinghorn was ruled out with a knee injury sustained 10 days before the series opener. Head coach Farrell said he was hopeful Kinghorn could pass fit to face the First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium on Tuesday and a positive comeback for the Toulouse and Scotland playmaker could put some serious pressure on his Ireland counterpart. Keenan had a mixed performance at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday and will be cursing having his pocket picked by Wallabies wing Max Jorgensen as the pair came down from an aerial battle each with hands on the ball. Jorgensen raced over the line to score. That may work in Kinghorn's favour if he can get back to match readiness this week. VERDICT: Kinghorn Right wing: Tommy Freeman was another member of the back three to have a patchy performance in Brisbane. The England wing had also benefitted from a rival's injury, to Mack Hansen, and much will depend on the Ireland man getting his foot back to full health if Freeman is to hang onto his place in the starting backline. The latest update from the Lions is that the Connacht star is progressing well and having his training load increased in the coming days. Hansen is a firm favourite of Farrell's and such an important link in the way Ireland attack, roaming off his wing in search of involvements. Freeman can do that too and he and Hansen have been the Lions' best performing wings on the tour but there may be a way to start them both... Left wing James Lowe has not been at his most powerful best on this Australian tour and the first Test saw his finishing prowess under scrutiny once again, held up over the line for the second game in successive starts. His big left boot has been a serious weapon for Ireland in the past but could this be the moment Lowe is jettisoned for a player in better form? Farrell could start Hansen on the left wing with Freeman on the right, despite not having that left-footed kicking ability. VERDICTS: Freeman and Hansen. Centres: Another semi-forced hand in the form of a head injury to Garry Ringrose ushered in the all-Scottish midfield partnership of Sione Tuipulotu and outside centre Huw Jones and both men were outstanding against Australia on Saturday, with the former scoring the opening try on eight minutes and the latter's increasingly good form proving crucial to the fluidity of the Lions' attacking play. Again, it was another case of a big game player in Tuipulotu rising to the occasion when it mattered after some quieter outings in the tour matches. Bundee Aki came off the bench to replace the inside centre around the hour mark but it looks like the Ireland pairing with Ringrose clear to play again from Tuesday will not manage to unseat their Scottish rivals for the MCG Test. VERDICTS: Tuipulotu and Jones. Half-backs: Nothing to see here with scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and fly-half Finn Russell's game management oozing class against the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium. Gibson-Park's excellent box kicking was a key to unlocking the Australian defence while Russell's goal-kicking added an extra layer of confidence to the Lions gameplan Same again in Melbourne please. VERDICTS: Gibson-Park and Russell. Front Row: The Lions scrum came under pressure from the Wallabies in Brisbane with referee Ben O'Keeffe twice penalising the loosehead props, Ellie Genge and then replacement Andre Porter for hinging. But the trio to a man were superb in the loose, hooker Sheehan scoring the game-clinching try and tighthead Furlong looking like a player reborn in his seventh consecutive Lions Test start after a season severely disrupted by injury. No change here. VERDICTS: Genge, Sheehan, Furlong. Second row: A foot injury to starting lock Joe McCarthy could throw a spanner in the works for hopes of an unchanged forward pack in Melbourne this Saturday. The Ireland man's plantar fascitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous tissues connecting the heel with the toes in the sole of a foot, will need to be carefully managed if he is to retain his tighthead lock jersey alongside captain Maro Itoje. Ollie Chessum was McCarthy's replacement on in 42 minutes and would be favourite to start in his place but Scott Cummings and James Ryan could also stake claims if Itoje fails to recover. VERDICTS: Itoje, McCarthy – fitness permitting. Back Row: The big beasts bared their teeth and claws in Brisbane as Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry both vindicated their selections and then some to blow the Wallabies away. The two flankers and No.8 Jack Conan all made their mark, earning the generous praise of Andy Farrell and each can expect to retain their jerseys this Saturday. VERDICTS: Beirne, Curry, Conan. Bench forwards: The Lions bench should have continued with the starters' dominant play but were eclipsed by a hungry and impactful Australia bench. Given the quality of back rowers in this squad, the likes of Henry Pollock, Jac Morgan and Josh van der Flier will be knocking on the door for inclusion at Ben Earl's expense this time around. VERDICTS: Kelleher, Porter, Stuart, Chessum, Earl. Bench backs: Having selected a replacement fly-half who can play full-back in Marcus Smith and an out and out inside centre in Bundee Aki last Saturday, Andy Farrell may reconfigure his backline bench options for the second Test. How about a back-up 10 who can just as easily play at 12, and a 13 who can cover the wing positions? Step forward Owen Farrell and Garry Ringrose. VERDICTS: Mitchell, Farrell, Ringrose
