URC

Next up for the URC champions is one of European rugby's toughest tests, a last-eight showdown in Dublin with a Leinster side fresh from a 10-try demolition of Harlequins.

He was a key part of Glasgow's URC triumph last season and is a shoo-in for this summer's Lions tour if he finds fitness in time.

It means Hansen will miss Connacht's Challenge Cup games against Lyon and Cardiff and the URC encounter with Glasgow, but will be available to face England in the Six Nations on 1 February.

Hansen was charged with misconduct in breach of nine clauses of the URC's disciplinary guide, including law 3.3.13 which states foul play can include statements that are "unsporting and/or insulting".

In its statement, the URC said Hansen "in large part accepted that his actions amounted to misconduct and apologised for his actions".