Mack Hansen Banned for Comments on Referees

Connacht and Ireland winger Mack Hansen was handed a six-week ban, with three weeks suspended, after an independent disciplinary panel found him guilty of misconduct for critical comments about referees following Connacht's URC loss to Leinster. Hansen claimed his team was often unfairly treated by officials, describing the refereeing as feeling like playing against '16 men'. As a result, he will miss Connacht's Challenge Cup games against Lyon and Cardiff, and a URC match against Glasgow, but will be eligible to play for Ireland in the Six Nations opener against England. The disciplinary committee noted that Hansen's remarks breached several clauses of the URC's disciplinary rules, highlighting them as unsporting and potentially damaging to the sport's reputation. Connacht also received a suspended €10,000 fine, and Hansen is required to complete a course on match officiating.