MacKenzie Hansen

MacKenzie Hansenis a professional rugby union player who plays as a wing for United Rugby Championship club Connacht. Born in Australia, he represents Ireland at international level, qualifying through his Irish mother.

Professional career

After having played for the Brumbies in Super Rugby, he signed a two-year deal with Connacht ahead of the 2021–22 season.

Hansen appeared for Australia at the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Ireland national team

Hansen is eligible to represent Ireland through his Cork-born mother. Hansen was included in the Ireland squad for the 2022 Six Nations Championship when head coach Andy Farrell announced it in January 2022.

He was selected in the starting XV for his debut, and impressed in Ireland's opening 29–7 victory against Wales on 5 February, earning the player of the match award. Hansen was nominated for the 2022 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year. He was called up to the Ireland squad again for the 2023 Six Nations Championship, helping secure a 34–20 victory over Italy with two tries in a player of the match performance in round 3. He scored another try and secured his third player-of-the-match performance in eight Six Nations matches in Ireland's 7–22 win over Scotland in round 4 of the 2023 Championship. He was once again awarded man of the match in Ireland's 29–10 win over England in their 2023 World Cup warm up match. In August 2023, he was selected to be part of Ireland's World Cup squad ahead of the 2023 World Cup in France.