Mack Hansen set to return for Connacht against Leinster

Connacht are set to unleash Mack Hansen this weekend, when the province host rivals Leinster in the BKT United Rugby Championship on Saturday (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

The Ireland international hasn't featured for the province in the opening third of the URC regular season, after the wing returned from the Rugby World Cup with an ankle injury.

Hansen didn't travel on Connacht's recent tour of South Africa, but he's been declared fully fit by the province this week, and looks set to feature in this Saturday's interpro at the Sportsground.

"You don't need me to explain how good he is and that buzz he brings around the place," assistant coach John Muldoon said.

"Coming back from South Africa and getting into a derby game is special and then to have him and his energy around the place this week will be even better again. He is a phenomenal player.

"He adds lots to us and it won't be from lack of enthusiasm anyway in terms of what Mack will bring on the pitch, so really looking forward to seeing him.

"Obviously I don’t know Mack that well personally. He’s just back from the World Cup and he joined afterwards, and I’m looking forward to getting to know him better in the next couple of weeks and months, so I can’t wait to see him on the pitch."

Paul Boyle and Dave Heffernan also also available for selection after overcoming respective ankle and calf issues, but Bundee Aki's return remains on hold.

Aki has been rehabbing a hamstring issue since returning from Word Cup duty, and while he the province say he remains unavailable, his status will be reassessed ahead of the Investec Champions Cup campaign which begins next week.

Connacht have made a positive start to the season, sitting seventh in the table after picking up four wins