Bernard Jackman says Mack Hansen was recommended to Connacht head coach Andy Friend by a barman.
Hansen has been in superb form since joining Connacht from the Brumbies this season. He's scored five tries, and was named Man of the Match in Friday's 46-18 victory against the Ospreys.
The 23-year-old Australian-born back, who was called up to the Ireland squad for the recent test match against Japan, qualifies to play for Ireland through his mother who is from Cork.
"Andy Friend’s son drank in the same pub as him and basically they became friends," Jackman told RTÉ's Against The Head.
"Apparently he’s good craic, he’s a bit wild.
"Andy heard that he had an Irish passport, so when he went home [to Australia], he went for a chat, asked the barman what kind of character he was, and he said 'He’s a good fella'.
"He got called in [to the Ireland squad] the week of the Japan game. He got called in because apparently [Australia head coach] Dave Rennie was sniffing around him. He’s been in the Australian system but didn’t hit the heights that he’s hit now.
"He’s a sevens player. He has come to a wet and windy Galway, conditions that he would have never played in before."
Jackman: Barman recommended Mack Hansen to Connacht
Ask the barman!@BernardJackman on the story of how Andy Friend recruited Mack Hansen who has shone since arriving at Connacht #AgainstTheHead #RTERugby pic.twitter.com/TlRjuT9Au9
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 29, 2021
Former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan added that Andy Friend has Connacht playing a style of rugby that has supporters excited.
"He's got Connacht to play a style of rugby that you really want to go and watch," said O'Sullivan.
"Maybe, they'll win a few, lose a few, but it's always entertaining, and always exciting."
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