Mack Hansen ruled out for remainder of URC season
Mack Hansen has been ruled out for the remainder of Connacht's season, a blow to the province as they attempt to force their way into the playoffs in the final two games.
The Ireland winger will be sidelined for five weeks for an ankle injury, missing the final two United Rugby Championship games at home to Edinburgh and away to Zebre.
However, he should recover in time to be eligible for selection for Andy Farrell's Lions squad, which will be unveiled on Thursday.
While Hansen's absence is a blow, Connacht have been boosted by the return of Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade and Denis Buckley, all of whom missed the trip to South Africa, where the westerners lost to the Stormers and the Lions.
Connacht currently lie 14th in the URC table, requiring a maximum 10 points from their final two games while needing other results to go their way.
Meanwhile, Jack Carty has signed a one-year extension at the province, after a season where he fell out of favour with former head coach Pete Wilkins.
The 32-year old international out-half appeared set for the exit this summer after a prolonged spell on the sidelines, with Josh Ioane preferred in the starting No. 10 slot.
However, Wilkins' resignation last month has seen Carty return to prominence, with the Roscommon man impressing in the narrow defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town.
Elsewhere, Andrew Smith has signed a one-year deal with Munster for the 2025-26 season.
The former Ireland U20 international joined Munster on a short-term deal in March, scoring three tries in four appearances, the first coming in the memorable Champions Cup win over La Rochelle and then two in the quarter-final loss to Bordeaux Begles.
Smith recently added an All-Ireland League winners medal late last month, featuring for Clontarf in their victory over Cork Constitution in the Aviva Stadium decider.
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