The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) have announced that Mack Hansen has committed his future to Ireland and Connacht Rugby by signing a new two-year contract.
The 26-year-old speedster has made 27 appearances for Ireland making his international debut against Wales in February 2022.
Since making his Test bow, the Connacht stalwart has established himself as a key component of Ireland’s back three, scoring 12 tries.
Played for Australia at U20 level
Born and raised in Canberra, Hansen represented Australia at U20 level in 2018 and also featured for the Brumbies in 21 matches at Super Rugby level between 2018 and 2021, scoring 18 points during that period.
However, his world changed when he signed for Connacht ahead of the 2021/22 campaign and he has played 38 times for the Irish province since joining them.
He was nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Award in his debut international campaign and his commitment to Irish Rugby until at least the end of the 2026/27 is another boost for the side in the build up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Since his Test debut, Hansen has become a vital cog in the Irish Test machine and he has featured in two clashes in this year’s Six Nations – against England and Wales.
Hansen expressed his delight after agreeing terms on his new contract.
“Since moving to Ireland I have loved my time and I am delighted to sign this new contract,” he said. “Playing in Ireland with Connacht means a huge amount to me and I feel that I have improved because of the coaching and structures here.
‘I’ll be focusing my efforts on finishing strongly for Ireland and Connacht’
“There’s a huge amount to play for this season and I’ll be focusing my efforts on finishing strongly for Ireland and Connacht.
“I’d like to thank the IRFU for putting their faith in me and I’m hugely excited about the future.”
IRFU performance director David Humphreys added: “As a mainstay of the Ireland and Connacht sides in recent years, securing Mack’s signature over the coming season is a huge boost for Irish rugby.
“He is a proven performer, someone who wears his heart on his sleeve and delivers on the big occasion.
“He is also a crowd favourite for club and country. We believe that there’s a lot more to come from Mack and I’m sure that he will continue his upward progress over the coming seasons.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ireland-crowd-favourite-makes-decision-on-playing-future-with-rugby-world-cup-on-horizon
