Blow for Connacht and Ireland as Hansen out for lengthy period
Mack Hansen leaves the pitch to receive medical attention for an injury during the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Munster at The Sportsground in Galway. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Connacht Rugby have announced that their star player Mack Hansen will spend up to four months on the sidelines, due to a shoulder injury.
Hansen suffered the injury in Connacht's 22-9 win over Munster in the URC on New Year's Day and has since undergone surgery.
The 25-year-old will miss Ireland's Six Nations campaign, as Andy Farrell's side aim to win back-to back Grand Slams.
Since making his debut in 2022, Hansen has become an important part of the Ireland side, scoring nine tries in 21 caps.
He will also miss Connacht's final group games in the Champions Cup in January.
Meanwhile, Cathal Forde (shoulder) will be unavailable for Saturday's Investec Champions Cup tie with Lyon and will be further assessed next week.
Caolin Blade (head) is undergoing graduated return to play protocols and his availability for Lyon will be assessed later in the week.
Sean Jansen (abdomen) and Oisín McCormack (hamstring) have recovered from injuries and are available for selection.
Continuing to rehab are Paul Boyle (face), Santiago Cordero (knee), Diarmuid Kilgallen (hamstring), Sean O’Brien (foot), Tiernan O’Halloran (foot), Colm Reilly (ankle).
