09 September 2023 , 07:30
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Ireland star Mack Hansen followed through on a promise he made for this year's Six Nations and has the face of head coach Andy Farrell tattooed on his leg.
The Connacht winger, who was raised in Australia, has enjoyed a rapid rise in the Irish set-up and played a crucial role in their Grand Slam triumph, which they sealed with a win over England back in March. Ireland were tipped to win the championship and Hansen vowed to get an interesting tattoo if they won all five games.
He scored three tries across the Six Nations and was reminded by captain Johnny Sexton of the promise he made with Farrell, father of England fly-half Owen Farrell, more than happy to get involved, joking that he wouldn't pick Hansen unless he got inked up.
The winger told Standard Sport: “Johnny Sexton seemed to remember about the tattoo the whole way through the Six Nations and kind of reminded me towards the end. I’m a man of my word, I said I would get it and so I did.
"Andy’s done great stuff for this team and for Irish rugby, on and off the pitch. I can definitely think of worse people to have on my leg, so it’s not too bad. When Andy found out about it, he said I wouldn’t be allowed back into camp if I didn’t have it done.
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“He liked the whole idea of it, thank the Lord! And the tattoo’s definitely here to stay. I might add some teardrops to it or something like that, to make it look a bit meaner!”
Farrell, who succeeded predecessor Joe Schmidt, has taken Ireland to the top of the world ranking and masterminded a first ever series win in New Zealand last summer. As a result they go into the World Cup among the favourites, albeit they are in a challenging side of the draw.
Mack Hansen was crucial in Ireland's Six Nations triumph
Their championship success meant he had to get his coach's face tattooed on himThe Ireland squad have thrived in the environment created by Farrell with Hansen among many characters who have been told to be themselves as the winger praises the atmosphere created by the English coach.
“When it’s time to go to work, everyone’s giving everything they have," said Hansen. “But when it’s time to switch off, it’s being able to enjoy that time off, whether that be with family, friends, or just in camp with ourselves. He’s made the Ireland camp a really comfortable place, just to be yourself, all the staff and players have, and to enjoy the camp, not dread it.
“He’s just kind of nailed it. I think it helps he’s very sure of himself and everything he’s been through, and he’s just the type of guy that when he talks, you listen. It’s not an easy way to be I don’t think, especially nowadays. But whatever he’s doing, he’s doing it right, so fair play to him.”
Ireland's opening game of the World Cup is against Romania before they face Tonga, holders South Africa and finish their pool stage campaign with a game against Scotland.