Legendary Irish winger backs Mack Hansen over referee rant

“Obviously Mack felt his frustrations."

The fallout from Mack Hansen's post-match press conference last month continues.

Connacht's Aussie-born winger went on a sensational rant following his side's loss to Leinster, criticising decisions against his side in the game and in past matches as well.

Hansen was subsequently banned for three games, and his side received a suspended fine of €10,000.

It was then revealed that the referee in charge of the Leinster game, Chris Busby, was to retire from professional officiating. While the Hansen situation was not the sole cause, it was said to have been the final push.

Legendary Irish winger Keith Earls retired in 2023, and to celebrate his 100th game for his country, Hansen shaved the letters 'KE' onto the side of his head.

Returning the gesture of respect, Earls stuck up for Hansen and his comments.

He said: “When I saw it it was, ‘Fair play Mack’, because I would have felt the same as well. But on the other side of it, I’d stick up for the referees as well because the job they have to do. There’s no way I’d be able to be a professional referee.

“Obviously Mack felt his frustrations and probably Connacht have been on the wrong side of things the last couple of years and maybe it just boiled over there for Mack. I agree with Mack and fair play to him for speaking up but I think something probably needs to be done with the referees and I don’t have the answers to that.

"How can you take the pressure off them because it’s a hell of a job to try and do. They get an awful time as well. It is unfair on them and I’m not sure what way you can fix it.

“The reason he’s performing the way he has been the last couple of years and the reason why he’s so liked is because he’s being himself and he doesn’t care what anyone thinks. And some of it can be alternative but at the end of the day, he just means good.”