Connacht's Mack Hansen added to Ireland squad ahead of clash against Japan

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has called up uncapped Connacht winger Mack Hansen to the squad ahead of the autumn internationals opener against Japan to be played at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Hansen started his career with provincial side Canberra Vikings in 2017 and went on to make his Super Rugby debut with Brumbies a year later. He made a switch to Connacht in 2021 and has scored four tries in five matches since then.

The 23-year-old, who can play at wing or fullback qualifies to play for Ireland through his Cork-born mother.

Meanwhile, a statement released by the Irish Rugby Football Union also confirmed that Robbie Henshaw will continue his rehabilitation from foot injury while Thomas Ahern and Jamie Osborne have been released to their respective clubs.

Following the game against Japan, Ireland will also host New Zealand and Argentina on 13th and 21st November respectively.

Ireland squad:

Backs: Bundee Aki, Robert Baloucoune, Harry Byrne, Joey Carbery, Craig Casey, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, James Hume, Hugo Keenan, Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Garry Ringrose, Johnny Sexton (c), Simon Zebo

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Gavin Coombes, Ultan Dillane, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Peter O’Mahony, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier