Ireland Rugby Star Mack Hansen Sidelined with Ankle Injury
A report from the BBC has confirmed that Ireland wing Mack Hansen will miss Connacht’s final two United Rugby Championship games due to an ankle injury. According to a squad update issued on Tuesday, the Australia-born 27-year-old will be out for “approximately five weeks”.
The news comes as a blow to Hansen, who is hoping to be included in Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad when it is unveiled on Thursday. As the BBC reports, Hansen has scored 12 tries in 28 caps for Ireland since being handed his debut by Farrell in February 2022.
In an update provided by Connacht, the rugby club confirmed that Hansen’s injury would keep him out for around five weeks. This should not affect his chances of being selected for the Lions, as he is expected to have recovered in time for the team’s pre-tour game against Argentina in Dublin on 20 June.
Meanwhile, another Lions hopeful in Bundee Aki is available again after missing Connacht’s URC games in South Africa against the Stormers and Lions with a heel problem. According to the BBC, Aki’s return to fitness will be a boost to his own Lions hopes.
The news on Hansen’s injury comes on the back of another update on Ireland captain Caelan Doris’ Lions hopes. On Monday, Leinster announced that Doris needs a shoulder operation, which is likely to rule him out of contention for the Lions squad.
Connacht host Edinburgh in the URC on Saturday evening (19:35 BST), with interim boss Cullie Tucker’s side looking to end their season on a high note. As the BBC notes, the team are currently 14th in the standings and have only slim hopes of reaching the end-of-season play-offs.
As noted by the BBC, Hansen’s form for Connacht and Ireland has made him a strong contender for the Lions squad. If selected, he will be hoping to make a significant impact on the tour.
The British and Irish Lions squad will be announced on Thursday, with many players hoping to be selected for the tour. According to the BBC, the team will play a series of matches against South Africa, with the first Test taking place on 17 July.
The Lions tour of South Africa will be a major event in the rugby calendar, with many top players vying for selection. As reported by the BBC, the squad announcement on Thursday will be eagerly anticipated by rugby fans around the world.
The injury to Hansen will undoubtedly be a setback for both Connacht and Ireland, but it is hoped that he will be back to full fitness in time for the Lions tour. As the BBC reports, the rugby community will be keeping a close eye on his progress in the coming weeks.
In related news, fans and pundits alike will be tuning in on Thursday to hear the British and Irish Lions squad announcement. With many top players in contention, it promises to be an exciting time for rugby fans.
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