Ireland Rugby Team Hit by Injury Blow as Mack Hansen Ruled Out for Five Weeks
In a significant blow to Connacht’s United Rugby Championship campaign, Ireland wing Mack Hansen has been ruled out for approximately five weeks due to an ankle injury. According to a squad update issued by Connacht on Tuesday, the 27-year-old Australia-born player will miss the team’s final two URC games. As reported by the BBC, Hansen’s absence will be a significant setback for the team, who are currently 14th in the league and have only slim hopes of reaching the end-of-season play-offs.
Hansen’s injury may also impact his chances of being included in the British and Irish Lions squad, which is set to be unveiled on Thursday. The Ireland wing has been in impressive form for his country, scoring 12 tries in 28 caps since making his debut in February 2022 under the guidance of coach Andy Farrell. As noted by the BBC, if selected for the Lions, Hansen is expected to have recovered from his injury in time for the team’s pre-tour game against Argentina in Dublin on 20 June.
In a boost to Connacht, however, another Lions hopeful, Bundee Aki, is available again after missing the team’s URC games in South Africa against the Stormers and Lions due to a heel problem. The team’s interim boss, Cullie Tucker, will be hoping that Aki’s return can help turn their season around. As quoted in the BBC, Tucker will be looking to his players to step up in Hansen’s absence.
The news of Hansen’s injury comes as a further blow to Ireland’s Lions hopes, following the announcement on Monday that captain Caelan Doris will require shoulder surgery. The Leinster forward’s absence will be a significant loss for the team, and it remains to be seen how this will impact their chances of success in the upcoming Lions tour. According to the BBC, Doris’s injury is a major setback for the team, and it will be a challenge for them to adapt to his absence.
As reported by the BBC, Connacht host Edinburgh in the URC on Saturday evening (19:35 BST), and Tucker will be looking to his team to secure a win in Hansen’s absence. With only slim hopes of reaching the end-of-season play-offs, the team will be eager to secure a victory and give themselves a chance of finishing the season on a high note. The BBC understands that the team has been working hard to prepare for the match, and they will be looking to give a strong performance.
The injury to Hansen is a significant setback for the player and the team, but as the BBC notes, it may also provide an opportunity for other players to step up and take his place. As the British and Irish Lions squad is unveiled on Thursday, rugby fans will be keeping a close eye on the team to see who has made the cut. With the tournament just around the corner, the news of Hansen’s injury serves as a timely reminder of the challenges and setbacks that teams and players face in the lead-up to the competition. This news was first reported by the BBC.
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