Mack Hansen Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/tag/mack-hansen Sports News, Live GAA scores, GAA fixtures Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:57:52 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/www.sportsnewsireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/sni-icon.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Mack Hansen Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/tag/mack-hansen 32 32 229439223 URC Dream Over — Connacht Must Shake Things Up for Challenge Cup Knockout Clash https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/urc-dream-over-connacht-must-shake-things-up-for-challenge-cup-knockout-clash https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/urc-dream-over-connacht-must-shake-things-up-for-challenge-cup-knockout-clash#respond Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:57:52 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33517 Opinion: URC Dream Over — Connacht Must Shake Things Up for Challenge Cup Knockout Clash A record-breaking crowd of 27,500 packed into Hastings Insurance MacHale Park last Saturday night, hopeful of witnessing Connacht Rugby land a statement win over Munster. Instead, they left deflated, as Connacht suffered a 24-30 defeat, a result that officially ended […]

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Opinion: URC Dream Over — Connacht Must Shake Things Up for Challenge Cup Knockout Clash

A record-breaking crowd of 27,500 packed into Hastings Insurance MacHale Park last Saturday night, hopeful of witnessing Connacht Rugby land a statement win over Munster. Instead, they left deflated, as Connacht suffered a 24-30 defeat, a result that officially ended their URC play-off hopes in front of their biggest-ever home crowd.

Off the field the day was a celebration of rugby in the west of Ireland but on the field it became another chapter in a frustrating, inconsistent season.

But while the URC dream is gone, Connacht’s season is far from finished.

This Saturday, Connacht face Cardiff at The Sportsground in the Challenge Cup Last 16 — a knockout clash that now defines their year. Win, and Connacht will host a European quarter-final against Racing 92 or Perpignan. Lose, and the season is over.

That’s why selection this week is crucial. Connacht need to change the formula. They can’t keep rolling out the same players who look mentally and physically drained. It’s time to freshen things up, back the wider squad, and give the fans something to believe in.

The Connacht XV I’d Start Against Cardiff

Here’s the team I would select — a side built on freshness, form, and hunger:

Starting XV

  • 1. Peter Dooley
  • 2. Dave Heffernan
  • 3. Finlay Bealham
  • 4. Joe Joyce
  • 5. Niall Murray
  • 6. Josh Murphy
  • 7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
  • 8. Sean Jansen
  • 9. Colm Reilly
  • 10. Josh Ioane
  • 11. Finn Treacy
  • 12. Cathal Forde
  • 13. Piers O’Conor
  • 14. Mack Hansen
  • 15. Shane Jennings

Replacements

  • 16. Dylan Tierney-Martin
  • 17. Denis Buckley
  • 18. Jack Aungier
  • 19. Darragh Murray
  • 20. Paul Boyle
  • 21. Matthew Devine
  • 22. JJ Hanrahan
  • 23. David Hawkshaw

Why this team?

This isn’t about disrespecting senior players — it’s about giving Connacht the best chance of keeping their season alive.

The side that lost to Munster last weekend needs changing. They’ve carried the load all year and it showed. Connacht need to bring fresh legs, fresh energy, and fearless players ready to scrap for every inch.

This team blends youth, form and physicality:

  • Shane Jennings at full-back: One of Connacht’s brightest young talents. I think he is injury free.
  • Mack Hansen back on the wing: World-class in broken play.
  • Treacy on the other wing: Raw, hungry and deserves his shot.
  • Forde & O’Conor in midfield: Direct, physical, with plenty to prove. Give Bundee and Gavin a rest and possibly bring them back for quarter-final
  • Ioane & Reilly at half-back: Blade may need a break. These two can bring spark. Reilly deserves a chance and Devine is there to come on any time.
  • A proper, physical pack: Joe Joyce and Niall Murray in the engine room, with Murphy at 6 to bring a hard edge alongside Hurley-Langton and Jansen.

The bench is loaded with experienced heads to close the game out.

The bottom line

Connacht’s URC campaign is over — but their season is not.

This Saturday’s Challenge Cup Last 16 knockout at home to Cardiff is everything now. Win, and they will host a European quarter-final in Galway. Lose, and it’s all over.

The time for caution and conservatism is gone.
It’s time to back the squad, trust the fresh legs, and change the mood.

Fresh faces. Fresh energy. A fresh approach.
Connacht’s season depends on it.

 

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/urc-dream-over-connacht-must-shake-things-up-for-challenge-cup-knockout-clash/feed 0 33517 Mack Hansen Commits Future to Ireland and Connacht with New Contract https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/mack-hansen-commits-future-to-ireland-and-connacht-with-new-contract https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/mack-hansen-commits-future-to-ireland-and-connacht-with-new-contract#respond Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:25:46 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33260 Mack Hansen Commits Future to Ireland and Connacht with New Contract The IRFU has confirmed that Mack Hansen has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him with Connacht and Ireland until at least the end of the 2026/27 season. Connacht Rugby and @IrishRugby are delighted to confirm Mack Hansen has signed a two-year contract extension […]

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]]> Mack Hansen Commits Future to Ireland and Connacht with New Contract

The IRFU has confirmed that Mack Hansen has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him with Connacht and Ireland until at least the end of the 2026/27 season.

Since making his Test debut against Wales in February 2022, Hansen has been a standout performer in Ireland’s back three. The 25-year-old has earned 27 caps and crossed the whitewash 12 times, cementing his status as one of the most exciting attacking threats in the game.

Hansen’s meteoric rise saw him nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in his first international season. His decision to remain in Ireland is another boost for Andy Farrell’s squad as they build towards Rugby World Cup 2027.

Having joined Connacht in 2021, Hansen has made 38 appearances for the province, quickly becoming a fan favourite in Galway and beyond.

Speaking about his contract extension, Hansen said:

“Since moving to Ireland, I’ve loved every minute, and I’m delighted to sign this new contract. Playing for Connacht and Ireland means a huge amount to me, and I feel like I’ve developed massively thanks to the coaching and structures here. There’s a lot to play for this season, and my focus is on finishing strongly with both club and country. I’d like to thank the IRFU for their faith in me, and I’m really excited for the future.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys also welcomed the news:

“Mack has been a key player for Ireland and Connacht in recent years, and securing his future is a huge boost for Irish rugby. He’s a proven performer who thrives on the big stage and is a firm favourite with fans. We believe there’s still more to come from him, and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to progress.”

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/mack-hansen-commits-future-to-ireland-and-connacht-with-new-contract/feed 0 33260 Dominant Ireland beat England 29-10 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/dominant-ireland-beat-england-29-10 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/dominant-ireland-beat-england-29-10#respond Sat, 19 Aug 2023 18:33:48 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=28531 Ireland dominated England in their second and final Bank of Ireland Nations Series game at Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, on Saturday evening. In a game where the home side scored 5 tries to one for the visitors, they dominated throughout the field before finally showing that domination on the scoreboard. Centurion Keith Earls was among […]

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]]> Ireland dominated England in their second and final Bank of Ireland Nations Series game at Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, on Saturday evening.

In a game where the home side scored 5 tries to one for the visitors, they dominated throughout the field before finally showing that domination on the scoreboard.

Centurion Keith Earls was among the try scorers to the delight of the home fans, while England’s Billy Vunipola, who was initially yellow-carded for a high tackle on Andrew Porter, saw a review of the tackle upgrade his card to red.

First Half

Though Ireland had a strong starting team, the usual high level of accuracy was missing in the opening half as the home side conceded 6 penalties.

The visitors opened the scoring through George Ford when he kicked a Tadhg Beirne conceded penalty. Kicking from slightly left of the posts, the Sale Sharks’ man slotted over just before the clock hit 5 minutes.

Try for Bundee

An attacking move from Ireland gave winger James Lowe possession with the New Zealand-born player gaining metres. He was strongly supported by Peter O’Mahony who found a lot of space in the centre of the English defence. The Corkman eventually off-loaded to the onrushing Bundee Aki, with the centre having space to comfortably make the try-scoring line. A Ross Byrne conversion from in front of the posts, put Ireland into a 7-3 lead approaching 10 minutes on the clock.

Mack Hansen failing to roll away gave England an opportunity to close the gap on the scoreboard on 25 minutes, but George Ford surprisingly struck it to the right and wide of the far post.

In spite of some unforced errors from Andy Farrell’s side during the opening half, Ireland made some good decisions on the ball and ran some clever lines in the dying minutes of that opening period.

Hansen finds Ringrose

With the energetic Mack Hansen, the Player of the Match, in possession of the ball on the far side of the pitch, he saw centre Garry Ringrose on the opposite end. A long, well-directed accurate kick from the Connacht winger found Ringrose who had enough to cross for Ireland’s second try of the half.

Byrne attempted the conversion from 40m out, and though he had the distance, he failed with accuracy and send the ball left of the far post and wide.

With the teams heading to the dressing rooms for the half-time team talk, Ireland lead 12-3.

Second Half

James Lowe scored his 10th international try 15 minutes into the second half. With England down for 14 men following a yellow card for Billy Vunipola for a dangerous high tackle on Andrew Porter, England were stretched by the home side, and Lowe found himself in splendid isolation out on the wing. A fast pass to the winger saw him run in for his side’s third try of the game.

Ross Byrne’s conversion attempt came back off the left post, leaving the Irish side with a 17-3 advantage.

It was then announced that the review panel had upgraded Billy Vunipola’s yellow card to red, meaning the Saracens’ man’s day was over.

The positive use of width and space brought more success for Ireland when claiming their fourth try of the evening. The industrious Mack Hansen touched down for his 7th international try, giving the scoreboard a more respectable look, and showing more accurately the difference between the two sides. Ross Byrne’s difficult day at kicking for the posts continued as he missed another attempt, leaving Ireland 22-3 ahead.

100th cap for Keith Earls

The loudest cheer of the day seemed to come on 60 minutes when Limerick’s Keith Earls became the 9th Irish player to win 100 International caps.

The loudness of that roar was bettered in the 73rd minute, however, when Earls dived into the corner to score the 36th international try of his career. His Munster comrade Jack Crowley converted from close to the touchline, giving Ireland a 29-10 victory.

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/dominant-ireland-beat-england-29-10/feed 0 28531 Mack Hansen joins up with Ireland squad ahead of Japan game https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/mack-hansen-joins-up-with-ireland-squad-ahead-of-japan-game https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/mack-hansen-joins-up-with-ireland-squad-ahead-of-japan-game#respond Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:24:05 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=22244 Connacht winger Mack Hansen has joined up with Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad ahead of their Autumn Nations Series clash with Japan on Saturday afternoon. The Irish qualified winger has been a revelation for the Western province since joining the side from the Brumbies in the summer. The 23-year-old, who previously lined out for the Australian […]

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]]> Connacht winger Mack Hansen has joined up with Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad ahead of their Autumn Nations Series clash with Japan on Saturday afternoon.

The Irish qualified winger has been a revelation for the Western province since joining the side from the Brumbies in the summer.

The 23-year-old, who previously lined out for the Australian U20 team, has scored four tries in five games at Connacht.

The pacey back has beaten 25 defenders and made 321 metres, both the most in the United Rugby Championship so far this season.

On top of this, his seven clean breaks are the second-most in the league, tied with Glasgow Warriors’ Rufus McLean and one behind Scarlets star Steff Evans.

Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw will continue his rehab programme under the direction of the Ireland medical team.

Thomas Ahern (Munster) and Jamie Osbourne (Leinster) have returned to their respective provinces having trained with the squad last week.

The Ireland v New Zealand fixture on Saturday, 13th November is sold out while tickets remain available for both the Japan and Argentina games.

Ireland Autumn Nations Series 2021 Squad

Backs (19)
Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 31 caps
Robert Baloucoune (Ulster/Enniskillen) 1 cap
Harry Byrne (Leinster/Lansdowne) 1 cap
Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 24 caps
Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 3 caps
Andrew Conway (Munster/Garryowen) 25 caps
Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 93 caps
Ciaran Frawley (Leinster/UCD)*
Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 10 caps
Mack Hansen (Connacht)*
James Hume (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap
Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 13 caps
Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 30 caps
James Lowe (Leinster) 6 caps
Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 6 caps
Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 89 caps
Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 34 caps
Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 99 caps CAPTAIN
Simon Zebo (Munster/Cork Constitution) 35 caps

Forwards (20)
Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 5 caps
Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 16 caps
Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 22 caps
Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 20 caps
Gavin Coombes (Munster/Young Munster) 2 caps
Ultan Dillane (Connacht/Corinthians) 19 caps
Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 9 caps
Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 49 caps
Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 109 caps
Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 63 caps
Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 22 caps
Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 13 caps
Dave Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians) 45 caps
Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 76 caps
Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 1 cap
Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 37 caps
James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 37 caps
Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne)*
Nick Timoney (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap
Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 32 caps

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/mack-hansen-joins-up-with-ireland-squad-ahead-of-japan-game/feed 0 22244 Video Highlights – Connacht sign Brumbies IQ winger Mack Hansen https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/video-highlights-connacht-sign-brumbies-iq-winger-mack-hansen https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/video-highlights-connacht-sign-brumbies-iq-winger-mack-hansen#respond Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:13:05 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=15177 We have video highlights of the new Connacht Rugby signing Mack Hansen from Super Rugby side the Brumbies.He is Irish Qualified. Hansen, whose mother hails from Cork, can play across the back three or as out-half and has played a key role in the Brumbies’ Super Rugby AU campaign this season, featuring in all eight […]

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]]> We have video highlights of the new Connacht Rugby signing Mack Hansen from Super Rugby side the Brumbies.He is Irish Qualified.

Hansen, whose mother hails from Cork, can play across the back three or as out-half and has played a key role in the Brumbies’ Super Rugby AU campaign this season, featuring in all eight games and scoring three tries.

The 23-year-old came through the ranks at the Australian side, playing for Canberra’s Daramalan School and later the Canberra Vikings before moving on to the professional ranks in 2018, while also representing the Australian U20s in the World Cup that same year.

Hansen was handed his full debut for the Brumbies in March 2019, coming off the bench in a win over the Waratahs. Despite the disruption of the Super Rugby calendar due to COVID-19, Hansen has been an ever-present member of the squad since his first start last July. He was named Super Rugby Player of the Round in Round 2 after scoring a hat-trick in their win over the Waratahs. He has made 11 clean breaks this season, putting him in 2nd place for most clean breaks by any player across both Super Rugby leagues, and sits in the top 10 for most metres carried.

Hansen has signed a two-year deal and will link up with the squad for 2021/22 pre-season training later in the summer.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Head Coach Andy Friend says:

“Securing the signing of Mack Hansen is a real coup for Connacht Rugby. I have been following his progress for a long time and he has all the attributes to become a really important player for us. As well as his playmaking abilities, he is a physically strong and tall player who can easily adapt to the demands of northern hemisphere rugby. His versatility and ability to play all across the back field as well as a number 10 is also a big plus for us. I’m looking forward to welcoming him to The Sportsground and integrating him into our playing squad over the summer.”

Mack Hansen says he’s hugely looking forward to joining up with the squad:

“I am delighted to be making this move and signing for Connacht Rugby. Obviously, I have strong family ties to Ireland, so that was an immediate positive for me, but after chatting to Andy I became really excited by both the brand of rugby that Connacht play, as well as the ambition of the club to succeed in the years ahead. I want to play my part in that, and I can’t wait to link up with the squad and get settled in the West of Ireland.”

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