Another Irish blow for Farrell ahead of B&I squad announcement

INJURY UPDATE: The bad news for British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell is mounting as yet another Ireland star has been ruled out due to injury.

Following hot on the news of Caelan Doris’ injury update, winger Mack Hansen is the latest Irishman to suffer an injury setback on the eve of the squad selection.

The wing will miss Connacht’s final two United Rugby Championship games because of an ankle injury.

In a squad update issued on Tuesday, the Australia-born 27-year-old was ruled out for “approximately five weeks”.

Hansen is one of the hopefuls holding thumbs that he will be included in Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad when it is unveiled on Thursday.

He has scored 12 tries in 28 caps for Ireland since being handed his debut by Farrell in February 2022.

If selected, Hansen should have recovered in time for the Lions’ pre-tour game against Argentina in Dublin on June 20.

Another Lions hopeful in Bundee Aki, is available again after missing Connacht’s URC games in South Africa against the Stormers and Lions with a heel problem.

On Monday, Ireland captain Caelan Doris’ Lions hopes were hit as Leinster announced he needs a shoulder operation.

Connacht host Edinburgh in the URC on Saturday. Interim boss Cullie Tucker’s side are 14th and have only slim hopes of reaching the end-of-season playoffs.

Farrell announces his British and Irish Lions squad on Thursday.