Connacht’s star winger Mack Hansen will remain at Dexcom Stadium for another two years.
The 27-year-old charismatic Australian signed a new contract this week, ensuring he will be lining out for both Connacht and Ireland.
Due to Ireland commitments Hansen has played in only six games for Connacht this season, but he remains a key player, not only for the province’s ambitions, but with the Dexcom faithful.
Hansen was signed for Connacht ahead of the 2021/22 season by fellow Australian Andy Friend and soon became a crowd favourite. Within months he won the first of 27 caps for Ireland after making his test debut against Wales in February 2022, quickly becoming a key part of Ireland's back three, scoring 12 tries.
Although he spent some time on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder playing for Connacht against Munster on New Year’s Day last season, he remains both a key asset for both country and province.
The affable Aussie says he is “delighted” to have signed a new contract, which takes him to the end of the 2026/27 season.
“Since moving to Ireland I have loved my time, and I am delighted to sign this new contract.
“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.
“There’s a huge amount to play for this season and I will 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.”
The Connacht winger was nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Award in his debut season at Test level.
IRFU performance director David Humphreys says securing Mack’s signature is a huge boost for Irish Rugby as a “mainstay of the Ireland and Connacht sides in recent years”.
“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.”
