Mack Hansen ruled out of Ireland summer tour

Ireland winger Mack Hansen has been ruled out of the summer tour to Australia and New Zealand for the inaugural Nations Championship as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.

Mack Hansen Injury Update

Hansen has not played since December after undergoing surgery on a troublesome foot problem. Although he has returned to running, Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster confirmed that the winger is not yet ready to resume full rugby training.

Lancaster said Hansen is running up and down the pitch but is not yet training with a ball in hand. The best-case scenario is for him to return during pre-season rather than before the end of Connacht’s current campaign.

“Yeah, he’s ruled out. He’s running now, up and down the pitch, but he’s not running around with a rugby ball in his hand,” said Lancaster.

“So hopefully he’s going to come back into pre-season. He’s still got a lot of markers to hit and boxes to tick, but he’s definitely moving in the right direction".

Ireland Summer Tour Blow

Hansen’s absence is a setback for Ireland ahead of their summer fixtures in Australia and New Zealand. Lancaster confirmed that the 26-year-old is not being considered for the tour, with his recovery being managed in coordination with Ireland’s medical and physio teams.

Despite the delay, Lancaster said Hansen remains positive and is progressing in the right direction. He added that there is no reason why the winger cannot return as an improved player once he completes his recovery.

“He’s very positive about everything, it’s a coordinated relationship with Ireland and the Ireland medical team and the physio teams and everything, so it’s all on plan, all on track, and yeah, there’s no reason why Mack shouldn’t come back a better player.”

Connacht Prepare For Champions Cup Return

Connacht have extended their season with a strong run of eight wins in nine matches to reach the URC quarter-finals. However, Lancaster made clear that Hansen would not return even if Connacht reached the final.

“I think that’s what he’s been wanting to put his hand up for, both from a club perspective, but also for the national perspective as well.

“So, delighted to have him, but I suspect he’ll be on the, the Ireland tour and the realities of that Ireland tour it will still be in progress before we even start pre-season, so he’s not going to get to us until end of August, September.”