Mack Hansen will be available for Ireland’s Six Nations title defence despite a six-game misconduct ban handed down by URC chiefs.

Winger’s comments have been reported as tipping point for Chris Busby, with personal reasons also ultimately contributing to decision

A disciplinary panel on Thursday upheld a charge of misconduct against the winger for comments he made criticising the match officials following Connacht's loss to Leinster in the URC last month.

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”.

Hansen complained that Connacht “never get calls” in their favour from officials following a 20-12 defeat to Leinster at the Av