Mack Hansen’s return set to coincide with positional switch as injuries hit Ireland
Andy Farrell's fullback options as Hansen returns and Osbourne hits the injury list
Ireland wing Mack Hansen has returned to the squad earlier than expected after suffering a foot injury during Connacht’s United Rugby Championship loss to the Bulls last month.
Hansen was expected to be unavailable for the entirety of the Autumn Nations Series, but in a statement released today by the IRFU, the 27-year-old is reportedly making “positive strides in his rehabilitation”.
On the opposite end of the injury spectrum, Ireland full-back Jamie Osborne has been removed from the squad following a shoulder injury he sustained in the loss to New Zealand at the start of the month.
Light at fullback
- Hansen has covered full-back in the past
- Stockdale’s return brings versatility
- Connacht teammate joins Ireland camp
With Hugo Keenan still recovering from a hip injury, and Osborne now joining him on the recovery list, Andy Farrell has limited options at full-back, with just Jimmy O’Brien as regular cover in that position.
Jacob Stockdale is likely the next suitable option at 15. The giant back-three player has recently fought his way back into international contention after many years in the wild, and has recently slotted into 15 for Ulster.
Hansen is unlikely to be available for Ireland’s match against Australia this coming weekend, but with South Africa over the horizon, his return could provide another option at full-back. The British and Irish Lions tourist is well known to be a Farrell favourite and has performed well at 15 for Connacht on multiple occasions in the past.
Ireland injury news
In other injury news from the camp, centre Stuart McCloskey has stepped up his rehabilitation on his hip adductor in recent days and is expected to take full part in training this week.
Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier are both nursing slight hamstring strains, with a decision on their availability to be made over the coming days.
Connacht second-row Darragh Murray has also joined the camp, as he looks to add to his existing two caps after being capped during the 2025 Summer Tour.
The Ireland team to face Australia is set to be named on Thursday afternoon.
