**Dan Sheehan to Lead Lions in Australia, Backed by Sporting Girlfriend and Proud Rugby Family**
This weekend in Perth, Dan Sheehan is set to make headlines as he captains the British and Irish Lions in their opening game against the Western Force. The event marks a major milestone for the Leinster hooker, who continues to rise in rugby’s elite circles, and he’ll no doubt feel the support not only from his team, but also from his family and long-time partner, Katherine Egan.
The 26-year-old, already a shining star in the Ireland set-up, is no stranger to leadership, having captained his national side for the first time during this year’s Six Nations in a memorable match against Wales. With seasoned Lions captain Maro Itoje sitting out this initial tour clash, Sheehan steps up to the helm in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter at Optus Stadium.
Making Sheehan’s Lions debut even more special is the company of five other team-mates earning their first start on tour, all of whom hail from Ireland. Among them are Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, Joe McCarthy, and Josh van der Flier, adding significant Irish flair to the squad. However, only Sione Tuipulotu and Tadhg Beirne remain from the starting fifteen who suffered defeat to Argentina the previous week, highlighting the evolving nature of the Lions’ side.
Lions regulars have expressed immense pride in Sheehan’s appointment as captain for this fixture. In a statement, Maro Itoje praised the Irishman’s leadership, citing the unique honour for Sheehan and his family, while also reminding fans and players alike of the challenge ahead. “The Super Rugby teams always raise their game against the Lions,” said Itoje, “so we are prepared for a very determined Western Force side.”
Off the pitch, Sheehan is supported by another talented sports star. Katherine Egan, his girlfriend of eight years, is well known not just for her relationship with Dan but also for her sporting achievements and academic ambition. Katherine, currently studying medicine at University College Dublin, also shines as a key player for the UCD women’s hockey team.
While the couple choose to keep many aspects of their relationship away from the public gaze, they occasionally share glimpses of their time together on social media. Their enduring partnership began during their school years and has included trips to picturesque destinations such as Bali and Santorini. Katherine is frequently spotted in the stands—her presence anticipated in Perth as the Lions begin their Australian campaign.
Sheehan’s passion for rugby can be traced through his family heritage. Born in Dublin in 1998, he grew up alongside siblings Bobby, Emma, and Susie in a close-knit household. The family’s years in Romania, where his father’s work took them to Bucharest, brought new sporting experiences for Dan and his brother Bobby at the American International School—although rugby was not an option, Dan remained active with football, swimming and softball.
After returning to Ireland, the boys attended Clongowes Wood College, and Dan continued his education, and rugby, at Trinity College. His family’s rugby roots run deep: his father Barry played for UCD in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and his grandfather Denis donned the Leinster jersey.
Professionally, Sheehan’s trajectory has been steep. He signed with Leinster in 2020, quickly establishing himself as one of Ireland’s premier front-row talents. This spring, he reaffirmed his commitment to the province and the IRFU with a contract extension keeping him in Dublin until 2027.
Sheehan’s senior Ireland debut came during the 2022 Six Nations against Italy. He made an immediate impact, including a try and Player of the Match honours as Ireland secured their 12th Triple Crown. His standout moment arrived with two tries in Ireland’s 2023 Grand Slam-clinching win over England. Despite a serious ACL injury that sidelined him for half of the following season, Sheehan’s resilience saw him return to international rugby in January 2025.
As the Lions tour launches in Australia, all eyes will be on Sheehan—leading on new turf, backed by family tradition, and cheered on by his remarkable partner. The stage is set for a chapter in his career that could prove as memorable off the field as it promises to be on it.