Mack Hansen Connacht contract delay not related to ban, says Pete Wilkins

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins says the delay in Mack Hansen's contract extension has nothing to do with the recent disciplinary process he went through for comments he made about match officials following their defeat to Leinster before Christmas.

The province have nailed down internationals such as Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Cian Prendergast to at least the end of next season, while they have also been busy extending deals for a large number of their current squad.

Six more contract extensions were announced last week but Hansen’s future has not been wrapped up yet even though his contract expires in the summer.

Wilkins said it is ongoing and is confident it will be sorted out soon and dismissed any delay to the disciplinary process which has seen Hansen banned for three games for his outburst in the press conference after the Leinster game.

"No, there’s no link there," said Wilkins.

"It's purely when you are dealing with international players and, obviously, it's a three-way conversation in terms of the province, the player, and also the IRFU.

"So, it can take a little bit longer in terms of ironing things out, but there's nothing to worry about there I’m confident it will all work out."

Hansen has made 38 appearances for Connacht since fellow Canberra native Andy Friend brought him to Ireland for the 2021/22 season.

He made a man-of-the-match Ireland debut the following February and now has a dozen tries in 25 international appearances.

Hansen’s suspension started at the weekend but he wasn’t missed as Connacht thrashed Lyon 52-24 and are now guaranteed to top Pool 1 in the Challenge Cup before they head to Cardiff for their final game.

Two match points would guarantee home advantage throughout the three rounds of