Interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby has avoided a pre-Six Nations selection headache after learning that winger Mack Hansen’s suspension will not rule him out of any of this year’s championship.
Hansen received a six-week suspension for comments regarding the match officials following Connacht’s 20-12 defeat to Leinster on 20th December.
He will however be unavailable to Pete Wilkin’s side for the European challenge cup matches against Lyon this weekend and Cardiff on 17th January as well as Connacht’s URC clash with Glasgow a week later.
With three of the six weeks being suspended until the end of the season, Hansen remains available for selection for the tournament opener against England on 1st February at the Aviva Stadium.
In addition to Hansen’s suspension, Connacht Rugby have been handed a €10,000 fine.
With Jacob Stockdale still on the injured list, an unavailable Hansen would have meant that Easterby would have been light on wing replacements.
Hansen made his Irish debut in 2022 and since then has gone on to be one of Ireland’s most consistent performers. His record of 13 tries in just 22 test appearances proves his value to the team.
In a statement released through Connacht Rugby, Hansen said, “People know I always wear my heart on my sleeve. However, after the Leinster game, on this occasion, I let my emotions get the better of me.
“Upon reflection, my comments to the media were ill-advised, and fell far short of the standards I expect of myself, and what the sport expects of its players,”.
“I want to offer an apology to the match officials for any distress my comments may have caused. Our games are built on mutual respect and I didn’t show that after the game.
“I also want to apologise to the URC, and I fully accept the findings of the independent disciplinary panel.
“I love Connacht, and I love rugby. Moving forward, I will channel all my energy and passion into representing my province and country to the absolute best of my ability – both on and off the field.”
After missing last year’s championship through injury, Hansen would be keen to make up for lost time. And after a nervous wait, he can now count himself lucky that he is in a position to do so.
