Ref at heart of Hansen controversy slams IRFU on Linkedin over disrespectful gift

He is not happy!

Back in December, after Connacht's URC loss to Leinster, Mack Hansen shocked reporters at the post-game press conference, calling the refereeing that his side faced during the match and in general as 'bulls**t'.

The Ireland winger subsequently released an apology to referee Chris Busby, who received a torrent of abuse in the aftermath.

The incident was seen as the final straw for the IRFU ref, who then retired from his role.

Today Busby released an astonishing post on LinkedIn, showing a framed photo gifted to him from the IRFU thrown into a wheelie bin, with the following statement:

Today marks the end of my time with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU)

I was given a framed photo as a memento to mark the occasion.

A gesture, I suppose. But what I really needed — and never received from IRFU leadership, was genuine support during the most difficult period of my professional life.

I’ll be sharing more about that in the months ahead. For now, I’m grateful for the people I’ve met through the game, and looking forward to what’s next.