Scotland is set to face Ireland this Sunday at Murrayfield Stadium as the 2025 Six Nations Rugby Championship kicks off, but the Irish side will have to adjust their lineup following the injury of wing Mack Hansen.
Hansen, who plays for Connacht, has been ruled out of the highly anticipated match due to hamstring tightness. The Australia-born player had initially been cleared to play after cutting his knee during their previous game against England, but his latest setback has led to Munster's Calvin Nash stepping up to take his place on the right wing. The game is scheduled to begin at 15:00 GMT, with coverage available on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and various BBC radio stations.
Head coach Simon Easterby faces additional challenges, as he previously confirmed the absence of both prop Tadhg Furlong and lock Joe McCarthy for the game against Scotland. Hansen's injury is particularly disappointing for the team, as he missed last year's Six Nations due to shoulder issues. Meanwhile, Nash, who has made significant appearances for Ireland including scoring tries against France and Italy last year, is eager to make his mark.
The 27-year-old also debuted during the 2023 World Cup warm-up games, and his experience will be invaluable as Ireland aims to secure their position early on in the championship.
The squad announced for the match against Scotland includes key players like Hugo Keenan, Bundee Aki, and captain Caelan Doris, all gearing up to deliver strong performances and challenges against their Scottish opponents.
On another front, the U20 Six Nations has also been making headlines, with Wales U20s achieving their first away win since 2020. This milestone was reached after Italy's Roberto Fasti missed a last-minute penalty, allowing Wales to claim victory. The drama unfolded as the Italian side fell short at the final moment, highlighting the competitive nature of youth rugby.
The matches are part of the wider Six Nations Rugby Championship, which continues to display thrilling competitions across various age groups, illustrating the depth of talent in European rugby.
Fans of the sport can look forward to more engaging matches as the tournament progresses, with both senior and U20 teams battling for supremacy, and with injuries looming as factors influencing team dynamics.