Breaking Mack Hansen gets three-match ban but available for Six Nations starter

Ireland winger Mack Hansen has been banned for three games for comments he made following Connacht's defeat to Leinster in the URC in December.

He must also make an apology to referee Chris Busby and undertake "an appropriate course related to match officiating".

The 26-year-old blasted officials for what he perceived as on-going bias against Connacht in the aftermath of the provinces 20-8 defeat at Aviva Stadium.

Following a hearing yesterday, the Australian-born back was suspended for six weeks with three suspended, so will miss Connacht’s Challenge Cup matches against Lyon and Cardiff and a URC game against Glasgow.

It’s good news for Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby as it clears the way for Hansen to play against England in the opening match of the Guinness Six Nations on 1 February.

More to follow...

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