Hansen available for Ireland's Six Nations opener despite three-game ban

Mack Hansen will be available to play in Ireland's Six Nations opener against England after being handed a three-match ban following comments made about referees.

Connacht wing Hansen said the refereeing of his side's United Rugby Championship defeat to Leinster made it feel like they were playing against "16 men".

He will miss the upcoming Challenge Cup pool ties against Lyon and Cardiff and also a URC clash with Glasgow Warriors, but will return for Ireland's first game of the Six Nations.

An independent disciplinary panel upheld a charge of misconduct against Hansen, who received a six-week suspension, three of which are suspended.

He was charged with misconduct in breach of disciplinary rules governing the URC tournament, which state foul play can include statements that are "unsporting and/or insulting".

As part of his sanction, Hansen must also apologise to referee Chris Busby and undertake "an appropriate course related to match officiating".

A message from Mack: https://t.co/UMehVoN14w pic.twitter.com/J3bDswWDjq

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 9, 2025

In a statement released by Connacht, Hansen said: "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."

Hansen has been one of Ireland's standout performers since breaking into the team in 2022, scoring 13 tries in 27 caps, but missed last year's Six Nations through injury.

The news will be welcomed by Ireland interim coach Simon Easterby, who has lost Tom O'Toole for the England and Scotland games following the Ulster prop's six-game ban.