MACK HANSEN has spoken out after being hit with a three-game ban for his post-match outburst after Connacht’s defeat to Leinster.
The Ireland and Connacht winger was slapped with a six-week suspension after slamming officials following the game on December 21.
Three weeks have been suspended, meaning he will miss the province’s next three games but will be available for the Six Nations.
Speaking after the 20-12 defeat, he said: “To be honest, it felt like we were getting reffed out of the game for the first 40 minutes, pretty much.
“Then, we were able to do our thing. We were able to show the exciting rugby that we play.
“We’re not a team for excuses, but that’s what I feel. I feel like in the first bit.
“We were getting pressured from what seemed like 16 men against us instead of 15, to be honest with you.”
Reacting to the ban, Hansen apologised for his behaviour and admitted he had let his emotions get the better of him.
He said: “People know I always wear my heart on my sleeve. However after the Leinster game, on this occasion, I let my emotions get the better of me.
“Upon reflection, my comments to the media were ill-advised, and fell far short of the standards I expect of myself, and what the sport expects of its players.
“I want to offer an apology to the match officials for any distress my comments may have caused. Our games are built on mutual respect and I didn’t show that after the game.
“I also want to apologise to the URC, and I fully accept the findings of the independent disciplinary panel.
“I love Connacht, and I love rugby.
“Moving forward, I will channel all my energy and passion into representing my province and country to the absolute best of my ability – both on and off the field.”
Connacht Rugby did not make any further comment after being handed a suspended €10,000 fine.
In addition to the suspension, Hansen has been told to make a full apology to referee Chris Busby.
He will also undertake an appropriate course as decided by URC Head of Match Officials Tappe Henning and IRFU Head of Referees Dudley Phillips.
Connacht Rugby will also have to run an education session with their players about how to conduct themselves in post-match media sessions and interactions with the media.
As a result of the suspension, Hansen will miss the Challenge Cup games against Lyon and Cardiff (January 11 and 17) and the URC clash against Glasgow Warriors (January 24).
However, he will not miss any of Ireland’s Six Nations games.
