{"id":326650,"date":"2025-08-08T01:35:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T01:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/326650\/"},"modified":"2025-08-08T01:35:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T01:35:08","slug":"being-honest-lions-forward-dan-sheehan-reveals-he-hated-lions-teammate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/326650\/","title":{"rendered":"“Being honest” – Lions forward Dan Sheehan reveals he hated Lions teammate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ireland star Dan Sheehan has opened up on the unique dynamic of the British & Irish Lions squad \u2013 revealing that some of his team-mates were once players he \u201cdespised\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speaking to\u00a0Sky Sports\u00a0from Australia, the 26-year-old hooker lifted the lid on how old rivalries have quickly turned into close friendships as the squad gels ahead of their opening match against the Western Force.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt is interesting. You go from watching these guys, preparing for them, despising them in some ways and all of a sudden you meet them and they are great blokes,\u201d Sheehan told\u00a0Sky Sports.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cThat is just rugby and you have got to turn it on.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cWe have all realised pretty quickly we are all good fellas and enjoy each other\u2019s company and we have enjoyed the last few weeks of getting to know each other.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cIt is a big part of what we have tried to focus on is buying into our connection as a group and making sure it is tight and getting to know each other off the field as well as on it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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The candid confession has sent fans into speculation mode \u2013 trying to guess who exactly Sheehan had in mind when talking about players he once couldn\u2019t stand.<\/p>\n

One fan on Facebook claimed:
\u201cClearly it was Schoeman, Schoeman threw Sheehan over a notice board at the World Cup\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another insisted:
\u201cNo, it was Ellis Genge\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

While a third went rogue with:
\u201cIt was Pollock\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pressed on whether any of the England, Scotland or Wales players were on his former \u201cmost disliked\u201d list, Sheehan dodged the question \u2013 but did eventually name one man who\u2019s changed his mind.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI am not going to give names. You prepare for them and see them as talismans for their own country and you are probably glad to be on their side now and sharing the same shirt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cWe need to make sure we bring all that energy we used to have against each other and bring it out on Saturday against Western Force.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cIt is something that we just need to embrace and have a laugh about if there has been anything over the last few years and use to our advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

And yes \u2013 he did finally admit to being impressed by\u00a0England enforcer\u00a0Ellis Genge.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe [Genge] is a great fella \u2013 he is real, he is honest. I love the energy he brings to the squad and training is unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\u201cHenry Pollock starts\u201d \u2013 Our predicted Lions XV for the All Blacks tour in 2029<\/strong><\/p>\n

han the understrength Wallabies outfit Farrell has dispatched this year. Whoever takes the reins as head coach will be under intense pressure to get selections right.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, here\u2019s our early prediction for the\u00a02029 Lions Test XV<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

15. Blair Kinghorn<\/p>\n

Despite missing most of the 2025 tour through injury and Top 14 commitments, Kinghorn remains one of the most complete fullbacks available to the Lions. On form, he\u2019s the best in the Home Nations, offering versatility and composure at the back.<\/p>\n

At 28, he\u2019ll be in excellent physical shape by 2029. Starting the final Test this weekend provides valuable experience. While Sale\u2019s\u00a0Joe Carpenter<\/strong>\u00a0is a rising threat, Kinghorn\u2019s proven Test-level pedigree keeps him ahead.<\/p>\n

14. Tommy Freeman<\/p>\n

Freeman was a nailed-on starter throughout the 2025 series \u2014 and for good reason. At 24, he\u2019s still developing but already plays like a seasoned international. His size, power, and try-scoring instinct make him a nightmare for defenders.<\/p>\n

By 2029, he\u2019ll be at his peak and could be one of the standout figures in the Lions backline.<\/p>\n

13. Ollie Lawrence<\/p>\n

Lawrence missed the 2025 tour through injury but would have almost certainly travelled \u2014 and challenged for a starting spot. With\u00a0Huw Jones<\/strong>\u00a0likely past his best at 35 in 2029, Lawrence (who\u2019ll be 29) has a golden opportunity to claim the 13 jersey.<\/p>\n

If he regains his top form, he\u2019ll be tough to leave out.<\/p>\n

12. Sione Tuipulotu<\/p>\n

Tuipulotu impressed during the 2025 season and was arguably unlucky to be benched in favour of\u00a0Bundee Aki<\/strong>, despite being in better form. By 2029, he\u2019ll be 32 and bring a wealth of experience.<\/p>\n

His blend of physicality and skill, along with a calm head, will be vital against the All Blacks.<\/p>\n

11. Mack Hansen<\/p>\n

Injury kept Hansen out of the 2025 series, but if fit, he\u2019ll be 31 in 2029 and still a major attacking threat. His flair, game intelligence, and unpredictability make him a fan favourite.<\/p>\n

If Andy Farrell isn\u2019t retained as coach, Hansen could be overlooked for a winger from another nation \u2014 but on ability alone, he\u2019s hard to ignore.<\/p>\n

10. Fin Smith<\/p>\n

Smith is the standout young fly-half in English rugby and showed real quality during the 2025 series, even if opportunities were limited. His decision-making, game management and kicking are already top-tier.<\/p>\n

By 2029, he could be the best No.10 available.\u00a0Sam Prendergast<\/strong>\u00a0might challenge him, but Smith currently looks the more complete package.<\/p>\n

9. Alex Mitchell<\/p>\n

Mitchell is in his prime at 28 and impressed during the 2025 tour. With few younger No.9s putting their hands up, he\u2019s in a strong position to retain the jersey.<\/p>\n

If his partnership with\u00a0Fin Smith<\/strong>\u00a0continues at Northampton Saints, that club connection could be a big plus for the Lions in 2029.<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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