IRELAND and Andy Farrell have been given a major boost ahead of next year’s Six Nations.
That’s after Connacht winger Mack Hansen made his long awaited return from injury last night in a pre-season friendly for the province.
Prior to last yesterday’s clash against URC Champions Glasgow, the Australian-born winger hadn’t player for club or country since New Year’s Day after dislocated shoulder against Munster.
26-year-old Hansen had to undergo surgery on the injury before a lengthy stint in rehab.
The news is welcome news for Irish rugby as the winger missed second half of the province’s season, he also wasn’t fit for Ireland’s Six Nations and summer tour of South Africa.
Hansen made his long-awaited return from injury with a second-half appearance from the bench.
Pete Wilkins’ Connacht side won the game 28-21 pre-season in Scotstoun last night.
Hansen’s return is a major boss for his international coach Andy Farrell.
Ireland have an exciting November schedule with the All Blacks and Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies set to visit the Aviva Stadium.
The 2024/5 BKT United Rugby Championship season campaign gets underway in two weeks.
Connacht (v Glasgow Warriors): Piers O’Conor; Shayne Bolton, David Hawkshaw, Cathal Forde, Shane Jennings; Josh Ioane, Matthew Devine; Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jack Aungier; Joe Joyce (capt), Darragh Murray; David O’Connor, Conor Oliver, Paul Boyle.
Replacements:Â Adam McBurney, Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, OisÃn Dowling, OisÃn McCormack, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, John Porch, Finn Treacy, Mack Hansen.