Mack Hansen punished by URC following post-match outburst

Connacht and Ireland star Mack Hansen has been handed a six-week ban, with three weeks suspended, following an Independent Disciplinary Panel’s decision on a misconduct charge related to comments he made about officiating.

The charge arose from statements Hansen made after the Round 8 Leinster versus Connacht match on December 21, 2024.

Hansen’s remarks, which included significant criticism of the match referee, were found to breach Clause 3.2 of the BKT United Rugby Championship Disciplinary Rules.

This clause defines misconduct as any behaviour or statements that could bring the sport, match officials, or the league into disrepute. The player also faced charges under eight other clauses, highlighting the seriousness of the infraction.

The Disciplinary Panel, comprising Roger Morris (Chair, Wales), Nigel Williams (Wales), and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa), convened on January 8 to deliberate. In determining the penalty, the panel acknowledged Hansen’s apology and his acceptance of the misconduct charge. They emphasized the importance of a learning process over a purely punitive approach.

As part of the sanctions, Hansen must:

Apologise to match official Chris Busby (IRFU)

Complete a match officiating course under the guidance of Tappe Henning (URC Head of Match Officials) and Dudley Phillips (IRFU Head of Referees), sharing his learnings with teammates.

Participate in an education session at Connacht Rugby on media conduct post-match.

Connacht Rugby also received a suspended €10,000 fine for failing to control their personnel, applicable until the end of the 2024/25 season, contingent on no further breaches.

Hansen will miss Connacht’s next three games:

January 11 vs. Lyon Rugby (EPCR Challenge Cup)

January 17 vs. Cardiff Rugby (EPCR Challenge Cup)

January 24 vs. Glasgow Warriors (BKT United Rugby Championship)

The panel noted Hansen’s extreme remorse and his intention to apologize to Busby even before the disciplinary process concluded. Both the player and the club retain the right to appeal the decision.