Connacht wing Mack Hansen is cleared to play in Ireland's Six Nations opener against England after being handed a three-match ban for comments he made about a referee.

Ireland wing Mack Hansen has been handed a three-week ban after criticising the officiating of Connacht’s defeat to Leinster in December. Hansen suggested after his side’s narrow loss at the Aviva Stadium that it had felt like the visitors were playing against “16 men”.

Ireland winger Mack Hansen is free to face England in their Six Nations opener after being handed a three-match ban for his outburst on refereeing after Connacht's defeat to Leinster on Dec. 21.

Winger’s comments have been reported as tipping point for Chris Busby, with personal reasons also ultimately contributing to decision

Tom O'Toole will be unavailable for Ireland's first two Six Nations matches after being handed a six-game ban for dangerous play in Ulster's United Rugby Championship match against Munster.

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins feels both the club and Mack Hansen have ‘full acceptance’ of the punishment handed to the Ireland winger after his criticism of the referee following his side’s United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat to Leinster.