Mack Hansen was in the crowd last time The British & Irish Lions faced the ACT Brumbies – now he cannot wait to be in the thick of the action.
The 27-year-old wing grew up in Canberra and represented the Brumbies between 2018 and 2021 before signing for Connacht.
He has since established himself as a key part of the Ireland team to earn a spot on his maiden Tour and Hansen, who soaked up every minute when the hosts beat the touring Lions 14-12 in 2013, is looking forward to a trip down memory lane.
“I was there that day so I know how much it meant to everyone around here and how much they will be up for it,” he said.
“It’s very exciting and it’s nice to be back. It’s incredible. It’s a bit of a pinch-me moment, not in my wildest dreams could I have pictured being back here playing for the Lions, it’s very special.
“I’ve got about 30 friends or family coming, I’ve had people coming out the woodwork asking for tickets for a while now.
“It’s special to be playing it but regardless of whether I played this game or not, you ultimately want to put your name in the Test picture and that’s what I’ll try and do.”
Hansen has started the matches against Western Force and NSW Waratahs on Tour so far and is among the replacements for Wednesday’s clash, with Tommy Freeman and James Lowe starting on the wing.
He will be lining up against some familiar faces, including the Lonergan brothers, hooker Lachlan and scrum-half Ryan, one of two sets of siblings in the Brumbies squad alongside Tom and Lachie Hooper.
“I grew up playing against them (Lonergans) so it will be nice,” Hansen said.
“They are two of my best mates, I haven’t played against them in a while so it will be a nice switch up.
“It will be an interesting experience, I don’t know how I will feel until I’m out on the field.
“It won’t be until afterwards that I can take it all in but it’s a great moment for myself and my family and playing against my friends will be cool.”
Head Coach Andy Farrell, meanwhile, is preparing his side for what he feels could be their toughest assignment on Tour so far.
The Brumbies were the highest placed Australian side in Super Rugby this year, finishing third, and will relish the prospect of repeating the feats of their class of 2013.
“I know there’s a real sense of excitement, there’s a lot of history that goes behind this fixture,” Farrell said.
“The last two occasions we have played against the Brumbies there have been four points in it, for and against.
“We know the challenge ahead of us and it’s something we are looking forward to.
“I know they have been looking forward to it for quite some time, I have heard reports of how enthusiastic the training has been, as you would expect when the Lions come to town. That makes it exciting for all of us.”
