Ireland and Andy Farrell receive a major fitness boost ahead of autumn internationals as key players return for the province

IRELAND and Andy Farrell have been given a huge boost ahead of next year’s Six Nations.

This comes after Connacht winger Mack Hansen made his long-awaited comeback from injury in a pre-season friendly for the province last night.

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Before yesterday's clash with URC Champions Glasgow, the Australian-born winger had not played for his club or country since New Year's Day following a shoulder dislocation sustained against Munster.

Hansen, 26, had to undergo surgery before undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation stay.

The news is welcome news for Irish rugby, with the winger missing the second half of the provincial season and also unfit for Ireland's Six Nations and summer tour of South Africa.

Hansen made his long-awaited comeback from injury and came on from the bench in the second half.

Pete Wilkins' Connacht side won their pre-season game at Scotstoun last night by 28:21.

For his international coach Andy Farrell, Hansen’s return is a big challenge.

Ireland has an exciting fixture schedule in November as the All Blacks and Joe Schmidt's Wallabies visit Aviva Stadium.

The 2024/5 BKT United Rugby Championship season starts in two weeks.

Connacht (vs Glasgow Warriors): Piers O'Conor; Shayne Bolton, David Hawkshaw, Cathal Forde, Shane Jennings; Josh Ioane, Matthew Devine; Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jack Aungier; Joe Joyce (captain), Darragh Murray; David O'Connor, Conor Oliver, Paul Boyle.

Substitute: Adam McBurney, Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Oisín Dowling, Oisín McCormack, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, John Porch, Finn Treacy, Mack Hansen.