Mack Hansen: Ireland wing faces hearing after refs comments following Connacht loss

Ireland wing Mack Hansen will face a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday following critical comments he made about the officiating in Connacht games after last month’s defeat by Leinster.

Hansen said the refereeing of his side’s United Rugby Championship (URC) 20-12 loss at Aviva Stadium on 21 December made it feel like they were playing against “16 men”.

Connacht coach Pete Wilkins was asked if he agreed with the Ireland wing’s assertion before the 26-year-old interjected to add: “Can I say something real quick about the situation?

“Like, I feel like we get this every week. We never get any calls, ever. I’ve been feeling this for years now.”

Hansen, who has scored 13 tries in 27 Ireland appearances, will appear before a URC disciplinary committee.

URC disciplinary guide, law 3.3.13, states foul play can include statements that are “unsporting and/or insulting”.

Connacht are next in action against Lyon in the European Challenge Cup on Friday, while Hansen is expected to be part of Ireland’s Six Nations squad for a campaign that begins against England on 1 February.