The Albany Gazette - Hansen back in Ireland squad for Nations Championship

The 28-year-old Australia-born wing is one of three experienced players returning after lengthy lay-offs, with back-five forward Ryan Baird and loose-head prop Andrew Porter also included in a 36-strong group announced by coach Andy Farrell on Wednesday.

The trio last played for Ireland in the concluding game of last year's November series against South Africa at Dublin's Lansdowne Road.

Hansen required foot surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season, but has since returned to action with provincial side Connacht.

Baird, 27, has recovered from a leg fracture while 30-year-old Porter was sidelined with calf problems.

Injuries among Ireland's loose forwards have led to a call-up for uncapped Ulster back-row James McNabney, while Jamison Gibson-Park has been included, even though the veteran scrum-half has yet to play for Leinster this season due to a groin strain.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris remains unavailable as he recovers from knee and foot injuries, with hooker Dan Sheehan skippering the side.

Ireland face Argentina, Fiji and world champions South Africa in Dublin next month ahead of a Nations Championship finals weekend at Twickenham.

Farrell's men have won two of their three Nations Championship matches so far, beating Australia and Japan before suffering a 40-21 loss to New Zealand at Auckland's Eden Park.

Ireland squad

Backs: Bundee Aki, Robert Baloucoune, Jamie Benson, Craig Casey, Nathan Doak, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, Stuart McCloskey, Jimmy O'Brien, Tommy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Tadhg Beirne, Billy Bohan, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Furlong, Sam Illo, Sean Jansen, Ronan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, James McNabney, Darragh Murray, Tom O'Toole, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan (capt), Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier

Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)

(F.Jackson--TAG)