Ireland call Farrell and OBrien as Hansen out for NZ Test in Chicago

Ireland have made late changes to their squad for next week’s Test against New Zealand in Chicago after a weekend of injuries in the United Rugby Championship left senior players sidelined and prompted two call‑ups. Munster centre Tom Farrell and Leinster back Jimmy O’Brien have been added to Andy Farrell’s travelling party, while Connacht wing Mack Hansen has been ruled out after aggravating a long‑standing foot problem. The squad flies to Chicago on Tuesday ahead of the Gallagher Cup fixture at Soldier Field on November 1 and will remain in place for three home Tests in Dublin that follow.

Hansen injured his foot while scoring a late try in Connacht’s 28-27 loss to the Bulls on Friday and will not travel with the squad, the Irish Rugby Football Union said. Connacht coach Stuart Lancaster, speaking after the game, described Hansen as optimistic about his recovery and said there was no suggestion the tackle that caused the injury should be criticised. "You can't criticise players for trying to stop them from scoring," he said, while noting Hansen was walking without his boot and would begin rehabilitation with Connacht.

The absence of Hansen, who had returned from a separate...