Connacht rugby player Mack Hansen has faced criticism for his post-match outburst against the officiating in their recent URC match against Leinster. While former Ireland player Tony Ward condemned Hansen's actions, Connacht coach Pete Wilkins defended his player, emphasizing the importance of player feedback and acknowledging the pressures of professional rugby.
Pete Wilkins insists Connacht won't order Mack Hansen to rein in his opinions as the winger waits to discover if he faces a ban for his Aviva Stadium outburst. Hansen turned the air blue at the post-match press conference after Connacht lost 20-12 to Leinster in the URC on Saturday night.
The Ireland star claimed there was a bias on officiating against the province and claimed Connacht were facing 16 men in the encounter as he pointed to two occasions when challenges by Leinster players weren't referred to the TMO by ref Chris Busby. Former Ireland out-half Tony Ward argued yesterday that Hansen's outburst went against the ethos of the sport. However Connacht boss Wilkins backed his man, saying: 'In terms of whether players should be able to talk, like, if you see it in all sports. 'And it's a challenging one because refereeing or officiating in any capacity, in all games, all sports, are crying out for referees, they need and deserve our support. 'At the same time, in the professional game, it's making sure that all elements, all aspects of those involved are accountable and, hopefully, continuing to grow, including ourselves as coaches. 'So for Mack, I think what was really important is to highlight that he was talking about how it feels as a player on the field in games like that. 'He wasn’t saying Chris Busby is a poor referee or the TMO doesn't know what he's doing. He’s saying this is what it feels like to us - we can't really question how he feels in that moment and the intensity of that moment. 'And the great thing about Mack and why we love him is that he speaks from the heart and he plays from the heart, and you get that sort of honesty. That’s the man himself, and we're grateful for tha
Rugby URC Connacht Mack Hansen Officiating
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Connacht Boss Backs Hansen After Official CriticismIreland winger Mack Hansen criticized match officials following Connacht's loss to Leinster, sparking controversy. Connacht boss Pete Wilkins defends Hansen's actions, highlighting the team's regular feedback process with the URC referees.
Read more »
Connacht Boss Backs Hansen After Leinster OutburstMack Hansen's post-match comments criticizing match officials after Connacht's loss to Leinster have sparked controversy.
Read more »
Connacht Rugby Head Coach Pete Wilkins Reassures Fans About Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki's FutureConnacht Rugby's head coach, Pete Wilkins, has assured fans that Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki, both key players, are likely to remain with the team despite upcoming contract expirations. Wilkins highlighted Hansen's happiness and the mutual love between the player and Galway fans.
Read more »
Connacht Coach Defends Hansen's Criticism of Match OfficialsConnacht head coach Pete Wilkins defends Mack Hansen's post-match comments criticizing the inconsistency of match officials following their loss to Leinster.
Read more »
No decision yet if Connacht’s Mack Hansen will be sanctioned for his criticism of refereesIrish winger claims Connacht are too often on wrong side of officials’ decisions in tight matches
Read more »
James Slipper Teases Mack Hansen's Growth Since Moving to ConnachtJames Slipper, former Brumbies teammate of Mack Hansen, jokes about Hansen's maturation since moving from Australia to Connacht in Ireland, praising his success and growth.
Read more »