Brumbies’ captain Ryan Lonergan looking forward to long overdue reunion with former teammate turned Lion

Ryan Lonergan is set to reunite with an old mate when the Brumbies take on the British and Irish Lions, and knows exactly what to expect.

Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan knows exactly what to expect from his former teammate, turned Lions rival Mack Hansen on Wednesday night.

The great mates played with and against each other for a decade – including a few seasons at the Brumbies – before Hansen went in search of better playing opportunities in Ireland in 2021.

Ryan Lonergan is still with the Brumbies. Picture: Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Mack Hansen in action for the Brumbies during 2021. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Now with 28 Tests for Ireland under his belt, Hansen returns to the nation’s capital, and will start on the bench for the Lions in Wednesday’s tour match against the Brumbies.

And Brumbies captain Lonergan knows that when he gets on the park, Hansen will be running his mouth as much as he runs the ball.

“We played a lot of footy against each other when we were young and it’s super special to be able to go up against him,” Lonergan said. “I’m sure he’ll be talking heaps of s**t as he always does.

“We’ve been great mates since we were about 12.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with him, I haven’t seen him since he went away.”

Mack Hansen now as a Lion playing against the Waratahs recently. Picture: Robbie Stephenson/PA Images via Getty Images

After playing 21 games for the Brumbies, Hansen – whose mum is Irish – took a punt on himself and relocated to Connacht.

The gamble paid off handsomely as he made his Test debut for Ireland just a few months later, and is now an established member of Andy Farrell’s side.

He never thought he’d be back in Canberra playing footy though, and called his selection in the Lions side to face his old team a “pinch me” moment.

“I remember talking to him when he was thinking about leaving,” Lonergan said. “He was just looking for an opportunity really.

“We had a pretty set back three at the time and he just took a stab and went overseas.

“We were all happy for him. As a good friend, you want to see him make the most of his opportunity and he’s done that.

“And still being a character like I know he is. I’m super happy for him and excited to see him.”

Lonergan and Hansen were both in the stands at GIO Stadium 12 years ago when the Brumbies managed a remarkable 14-12 win over the Lions.

Ryan’s brother, Lachlan – who will start at hooker against the Lions – was also in the stands that night.

“He was probably eating a pie somewhere,” Ryan jokes of his front-rower younger brother. “I was sitting just over there somewhere when I was a little fella and we got up over the Lions.

“It was such a memorable moment, even as a fan. To be able to do it tomorrow as a player is super special.”

The Lions have named a strong starting side, with Lonergan set to go head-to-head with another gun player who moved north to play for Ireland.

Former Blues and Hurricanes halfback Jamison Gibson-Park is a key figure in the Lions’ attack and will again form a potent attack pairing with Scottish fly-half Finn Russell.

Jamison Gibson-Park will be Lonergan’s opponent. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Lonergan likened Gibson-Park to French superstar halfback Antoine Dupont.

“He’s up there with the best halfback in the world,” Lonergan said of the Lions’ number nine. “It’s been a pleasure to watch him from afar and it’ll be a pleasure to play against him tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Lonergan joked he’ll be hoping for plenty of rain to fall on the pitch after Farrell made the shock allegation that the Waratahs overwatered the Allianz Stadium turf last Saturday.

“No, I’ve organised these clouds though,” the halfback laughed. “Hopefully they’ll drop a bit of rain.”

Originally published as Brumbies’ captain Ryan Lonergan looking forward to long overdue reunion with former teammate turned Lion