"Sh**housery" - Lions unhappy as stadium announcer brutally trolls four players

Rugby News
Saturday, 28 June 2025 at 12:04
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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!”
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!”

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:

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?
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