"Not ideal" - Lions star ruled out for 'five weeks' after squad announcement
Rugby NewsThursday, 08 May 2025 at 19:40
Irish winger
Mack Hansen faces a race against time to be fit for the British & Irish Lions tour after being ruled out for “approximately five weeks” with an ankle injury.
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Connacht confirmed the setback in a squad update on Tuesday, ruling the 27-year-old out of their final two United Rugby Championship fixtures.
It’s a cruel blow for Hansen, who’s expected to be named in Andy Farrell’s 38-man Lions squad on Thursday.
The Australia-born ace has scored 12 tries in 28 caps since his debut in 2022 — but if the injury proves worse than first feared, Farrell could be forced into a rethink before the squad even assembles.
If Hansen is ruled out, here are five potential replacements in the pecking order:
1. Darcy Graham
A lethal finisher when fit, the Scottish sparkplug has a knack for scoring in big moments.
A lethal finisher when fit, the Scottish sparkplug has a knack for scoring in big moments.
2. Tom Roebuck
Now capped for England after knocking for some time, the Sale speedster has size, skill, and serious form behind him.
Now capped for England after knocking for some time, the Sale speedster has size, skill, and serious form behind him.
3. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
England’s breakout star missed this year’s Six Nations through injury and is still working his way back — but if he proves fitness, Farrell could be tempted by his raw power and potential.
England’s breakout star missed this year’s Six Nations through injury and is still working his way back — but if he proves fitness, Farrell could be tempted by his raw power and potential.
4. Rio Dyer
Wales’ wildcard. Capable of the spectacular, and Farrell knows the value of an unpredictable winger.
Wales’ wildcard. Capable of the spectacular, and Farrell knows the value of an unpredictable winger.
5. Kyle Steyn
Dependable, hard-working, and versatile — Steyn could be a solid, if unspectacular, call-up option.
Dependable, hard-working, and versatile — Steyn could be a solid, if unspectacular, call-up option.
LIONS POLL:
The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
EDITORS PICKS:
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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