If Ireland are to fulfil their potential at the Rugby World Cup later this year, Mack Hansen will need to be on top form.
The Australian-born wing has been a sensation since joining Connacht in 2021, and has earned his place as one of the first names on Andy Farrell's teamsheet at international level.
Hansen was outstanding during Ireland's run to a Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this year, and won fans for his fun presence in press duties.
Part of the charm of the 25-year-old's off-field persona revolves around his fascination with and love for tattoos.
Hansen has inked his body with a whole host of tattoos, including two of Connacht teammates Peter Dooley and Oisin Dowling which got him in hot water with his girlfriend.
The latest addition to Hansen's collection had been a tattoo of Ireland coach Andy Farrell's face, with Farrell joking that Hansen would not have been allowed back into the Irish camp if he had not followed through with the tattoo.
With Ireland's victory against Scotland in the Six Nations earlier this year, Hansen got one over on ex-Scottish player Jim Hamilton. Ahead of the game, the pair of tattoo lovers had made a bet that the loser would have to ink the other's nickname - in 'Big Mack/Big Jim' form.
Ireland came out on top, and the bet was finally fulfilled this week, with Red Bull Ireland showcasing the pair's meetup in a Galway tattoo studio to carry out the bet. Of course, Hansen could not resist the temptation to add to his collection.
Jim Hamilton finally 'pays debt' to Mack Hansen
Mack Hansen and Jim Hamilton took to Galway Tattoos this week to fulfil a bet which dates back to the Six Nations clash between Ireland and Scotland in Edinburgh earlier this year.
After Ireland's victory, Hamilton was destined to get "Big Mack" tattooed somewehere on his arm, and he was true to his word.
In video shared by Red Bull Ireland, Hamilton's new tattoo can be seen - while Hansen also added to his collection of ink.
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Hansen will likely feature for Ireland in their upcoming warm-up games ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Ireland play Italy (August 5) and England (August 19) on home soil, before facing Samoa in a warm-up in France on August 26.
Featured image: INPHO/James Crosbie
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