Mack Hansen Out Five Weeks with Ankle Injury

Connacht and Ireland winger Mack Hansen has been ruled out for five weeks with an ankle injury, causing him to miss the province's final two United Rugby Championship games against Edinburgh and Zebre. Despite this setback, Hansen is expected to recover in time to be considered for Andy Farrell's British and Irish Lions squad, which will be announced on Thursday. Connacht's slim hopes of making the URC playoffs are further challenged by their current standing, but they are bolstered by the return of key players including Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, and Denis Buckley. Meanwhile, Ireland and Leinster captain Caelan Doris's participation is uncertain as he is set to undergo a shoulder procedure. Hansen has scored 12 tries in 28 caps for Ireland since his debut in 2022, and his absence is a significant loss for Connacht during this crucial period.