Mack Hansen has emerged as a serious injury doubt for Ireland’s upcoming Chicago rematch against New Zealand.
Hansen returned to action with Connacht on Friday night, as they hosted the Bulls in Galway.
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A thrilling encounter was to play out, with seven tries and over 50 points scored, though Connacht were to come out on the losing side by a single point.
Hansen almost forced a dramatic comeback in the dying moments. With just two minutes left on the clock, Connacht trailed by six, before Hansen produced a magnificent finish in the corner to take them within one.
However, a missed conversion meant the Bulls just held on for a hard-fought victory.
The consequences may yet be even more severe for Hansen, with the Ireland star stretchered off after a dangerous hit as he scored his late try.
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Mack Hansen injury doubt for Ireland v New Zealand
17 October 2025; Mack Hansen of Connacht, obstructed, scores his side’s fourth try during the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Vodacom Bulls at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
Mack Hansen started at full-back for Connacht on Friday night, a hint that he may be ready to step into the role left vacant by the injured Hugo Keenan for Ireland’s upcoming autumn internationals.
However, Hansen may now have joined Keenan on the sidelines, after being stretchered off injured at the conclusion of Connacht’s one-point defeat to the Bulls on Friday.
Hansen dove for the line in the corner, with the Ireland wing producing a superb reach to score an impressive try. However, in the act of scoring, Hansen was hit by the sliding Bulls sub Embrose Papier, who careered into the Irishman feet-first.
It was an incredibly dangerous challenge, the like of which is regrettably becoming more and more common in rugby.
After Friday nights’ game, the “tackle” received much criticism from fans and pundits alike on social media.
Hansen later left the stadium in a moonboot, having seemingly sustained a leg injury in the incident.
With Tommy O’Brien a late withdrawal for Leinster, and Calvin Nash and Hugo Keenan already ruled out through injury, Andy Farrell will certainly be sweating on the fitness of Mack Hansen, with the first test against the All Blacks just two weeks away.
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