Hansen set to return after Lions tour injury

Connacht winger Mack Hansen could make his return from the injury that wrecked his British and Irish Lions tour this weekend against Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship.

Hansen missed all three Lions Tests against Australia after injuring his foot in the 48-0 win over AUNZ Invitational a week before the series opener with the Wallabies in Brisbane.

In a squad update on Monday, Connacht confirmed that the 27-year-old Ireland star is available for selection against Cardiff on Saturday at Cardiff Arms Park (19:45 BST).

Back Harry West has also returned to full training. Fly-half Josh Ioane and winger Byron Ralston are also back in training but a decision on their availability will be made later in the week.

In less encouraging news, lock Niall Murray has undergone surgery on an ankle he injured in the win over Benetton while second row Oisin Dowling is expected to be sidelined until December after knee surgery.