Mack Hansen: Ireland wing satisfying travel bug as Six Nations journey continues

Ireland wing Mack Hansen has revealed his love for travel and how international rugby has allowed him to see the world as he prepares to face Scotland.

It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for the Australian-born finisher as his move from the Brumbies to Connacht led to him being called up by Ireland.

At the start of this year, the 23-year-old – whose mother hails from Cork – had little expectation of making Andy Farrell’s squad for the Six Nations.

But, buoyed by fine displays for Connacht and growing self belief, he’s now satisfying his wanderlust while simultaneously making a mark at Test level.

“I’ll be honest with you mate, it wasn’t until maybe last year that it was a huge thing in my mind to play international rugby,” said a recalled Hansen.

“I always wanted to travel around the world and play in as many countries and teams as I could and just get the most out of footie.

“There was just a bit of a free spirit behind it, I just wanted to see as much as I could.

“But I’ve realised that international footie pretty much does that for you for free. It does take you around many, many places in the world and you just get to do it with a huge group of blokes and it doesn’t get much more fun than that.

“I have loved every second of it. All the lads here are great fellas.”

Hansen last year left Canberra-based outfit the Brumbies to move to Galway before training with the Ireland squad during the autumn.

He is already making rapid progress with his travel bucket list, having ticked off Paris and London in recent weeks.

The former Australia U20 international claimed his maiden Test try in the 30-24 round-two defeat in France and, following a cameo role at home to Italy a fortnight later, had to make do with watching last