URC: Mack Hansen poised for Connacht return this weekend after Lions tour injury

The 27-year-old suffered a foot injury in the 48-0 victory over the AUNZ Invitational XV, just a week before the series opener in Brisbane. However, Hansen could well be back in Connacht colours this weekend, as the Galway side travels out to face Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship.

Hansen sat out Connacht's opening round win against Benetton, which saw Stuart Lancaster's side rack up an impressive 26-15 home victory over the Treviso side. This was then followed by the postponement of Connacht's second round clash with the Scarlets, as the torrential elements of Storm Amy rained off last weekend's match at the Dexcom Stadium.

In a squad update on Monday, Connacht confirmed Hansen is available for selection against Cardiff, for Saturday's clash under the Arms Park floodlights. (19:45 BST). Connacht utility back Harry West has also returned to full training, while fly-half Josh Ioane and winger Byron Ralston are back in the mix, with their match-day availability to be confirmed later in the week.

However, Connacht have received a setback in the pack, with lock Niall Murray undergoing surgery on an ankle injury sustained in the opening round win over Benetton. Second row Oisin Dowling is expected to remain sidelined until December following knee surgery, leaving gaps in the forward rotation that the coaching staff will need to manage carefully.