The Western Force stadium announcer unleashed world-class trolling he during the British & Irish Lions’ team sheet announcements.
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The announcer didn’t just read out the names – oh no. He roasted them, one by one, spotlighting the ongoing (and controversial) topic of foreign-born stars pulling on the famous red jersey.
“Our former Aussie, Mack Hansen!”
“Another former Aussie, Sione Tuipulotu!”
“It’s the Kiwi, now Irishman, James Lowe!”
“The former South African schoolboy, now Scotsman, Pierre Schoeman!”
“Another former Aussie, Sione Tuipulotu!”
“It’s the Kiwi, now Irishman, James Lowe!”
“The former South African schoolboy, now Scotsman, Pierre Schoeman!”
The digs landed like clean hits at the breakdown — cheeky, but not untrue.
Fan Reaction: Standing Ovation for the Mic Drop
Social media lit up after the intros:
“He’s not wrong.”
“Brilliant sh*thousery.”
“Savage but fair.”
“Give that announcer a medal!”
“Brilliant sh*thousery.”
“Savage but fair.”
“Give that announcer a medal!”
Eibility Cheatsheet
| Player | Team | Born | Homegrown? | Eligibility Route | Previous Rep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pierre Schoeman | Scotland | South Africa | No | Residency (2021) | SA U18, U20 |
| Joe McCarthy | Ireland | USA | Yes | Parent | — |
| Jamison Gibson-Park | Ireland | New Zealand | No | Residency (2020) | NZ Māori |
| Marcus Smith | England | Philippines | Yes | Parent | — |
| Bundee Aki | Ireland | New Zealand | No | Residency (2017) | — |
| Huw Jones | Scotland | Scotland | Mixed | Scotland Born | — |
| Sione Tuipulotu | Scotland | Australia | No | Grandparent | Aus Schools, U20 |
| Mack Hansen | Ireland | Australia | No | Parent (Eligible on arrival) | Aus U20 |
| James Lowe | Ireland | New Zealand | No | Residency (2020) | NZ Māori |
| Duhan van der Merwe | Scotland | South Africa | No | Residency (2020) | SA Schools, U20 |
The Bigger Picture
While the Lions are proudly marketed as a showcase of home nations unity, the reality is increasingly global. And for critics like McBride, that change is jarring.
But with stricter eligibility rules now in place, the days of players arriving on a professional deal and qualifying three seasons later may be numbered.
The next Lions tour might look very different. Whether that’s a step forward or backward depends on which side of the eligibility line you stand on.
EDITORS PICKS:
- No Holding Back – Finn Russell’s Partner Blasts Back at Online Hater
- Nigel Owens Blasts Controversial Law Change – Calls for Urgent Overhaul
- World Rugby take action to reduce number of ‘foreign-born’ Lions
- Richie McCaw loses 25kg as he swaps sports after quitting rugby
QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
Think you’re a true rugby nut? It's time to put your Lions knowledge to the test.
12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?
Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.
? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?
