Australian born Mack Hansen, impresses on debut for Ireland against Wales at the Aviva Stadium.
Mack Hansen today made his debut for Ireland starting on the left wing in their Six Nations opener against Wales at the Aviva stadium earlier today. Inside the opening three minutes of play, Hansen had made a 50 plus metre line break and assisted a try to set up Connacht team mate Bundee Aki in the corner.
Hansen, signed for Connacht ahead of 2021/22 season having opted to not extend his contract with the Brumbies in Australia. The Connacht head coach Andy Friend was made aware of Hansen through his son who worked at the bar Hansen would drink at. Hansen qualifies to play for Ireland through his Cork-born mother. Before being signed to a full professional contract with the Brumbies, Hansen had worked as an electrician in Canberra. Hansen, in an interview has gone on record to say “'I was probably the worst electrician in Canberra... I said I would give footy a go”.
Road to International Rugby
Since arriving in the West of Ireland, Hansen has made waves playing for Connacht in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Hansen made his debut for Connacht in their away trip in their opening game of the URC against Cardiff Rugby at the Cardiff Arms Park. However, Hansen was really made aware to the Irish public when he scored a brilliant solo try for Connacht against the Bulls at the Galway Sportsground, returning a kick all the way to the tryline from inside his own half. At the time of writing Hansen leads the league in tries scored, metres made and defenders beaten.
Hansen played 80 minutes for Ireland today and was named player of the match to cap off an excellent international debut. Ireland beat Wales 29-7 to kick off their Six Nations campaign with a solid win. Next week, Ireland, and hopefully Hansen if he gets selected, will travel to Paris to take on red hot favorites for the championship, France.
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