Connacht wing Mack Hansen is cleared to play in Ireland's Six Nations opener against England after being handed a three-match ban for comments he made about a referee.

Ireland will be without the services of Tom O'Toole for the Six Nations start after he received a six-week ban for foul play while on duty for Ulster.

Ireland winger Mack Hansen is free to face England in their Six Nations opener after being handed a three-match ban for his outburst on refereeing after Connacht's defeat to Leinster on Dec. 21.

Tom O'Toole will be unavailable for Ireland's first two Six Nations matches after being handed a six-game ban for dangerous play in Ulster's United Rugby Championship match against Munster.

Ireland Sevens Olympian Chay Mullins replaces suspended Mack Hansen for Connacht's European Challenge Cup home game against Lyon on Saturday.

Ireland wing Mack Hansen has been handed a three-week ban after criticising the officiating of Connacht’s defeat to Leinster in December. Hansen suggested after his side’s narrow loss at the Aviva Stadium that it had felt like the visitors were playing against “16 men”.

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins feels both the club and Mack Hansen have ‘full acceptance’ of the punishment handed to the Ireland winger after his criticism of the referee following his side’s URC defeat to Leinster.