Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins contacted referees boss to diffuse Mack Hansen controversy

REACHING OUT: Head Coach Pete Wilkins. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has revealed he contacted the URC’s head of referees straight after Mack Hansen’s explosive post-match press conference in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night.

Wilkins said he rang South African Tappe Henning because he knew Hansen’s comments would create a furore and he wanted to make sure the head of the competition’s refereeing body was aware of the context.

It remains to be seen if Wilkins’ actions have an impact on the disciplinary action that the Irish winger may face after his stinging criticism of the match officials in Connacht’s 20-12 loss to Leinster.

“Well, we've not heard anything at this stage from the URC,” said Wilkins on Monday.

“If something comes down the line later in the week, we'll wait and see. So I'm not sure at this point. I spoke to Tappe Henning, the head of URC referees, from the stadium after the media conference.

“We've got a really constructive relationship with Tappe in terms of talking about ourselves and talking about referees and the game in general. So, you know, I spoke to Tappe then to let him know that the press conference had taken place and some of the comments.

“We also talked about the game and different elements of the game that will remain between us. So, you know, what happens after that I don't know. But the important thing is that we've got those communication channels open, and we'll see.

“I contacted him to make sure that we were talking, because, obviously, I knew that there would be a reaction in the media from the press conference. So I wanted to make sure that Tappe was aware that I knew there'd probably be a response, and there'd be questions asked both sides.

"So I wanted to make sure that, we're already in communication, and, you know, we're getting in contact again on Sunday. So it's to make sure that that relationship is there so that we can talk honestly to each other.”

Wilkins defended Hansen’s comments on the basis he was trying to outline what it feels like to be a player when there is a perception they are not getting a fair crack of the whip.

“It’s a challenging one because, refereeing or officiating in any capacity, all games, all sports are crying out for referees, and, you know, they need and deserve our support,” added Wilkins.

“At the same time, you know, in the professional game, it's making sure that all elements, all aspects of those involved are accountable and, hopefully, continuing to grow, including ourselves as coaches.

“So for Mack, I think what was really important with what he said to highlight is he was talking about how it feels as a player on the field in games like that. He wasn't saying Chris Busby is a poor referee or the TMO doesn't know what he's doing. He’s saying this is what it feels like to us.

“And, you know, we can't really question how he feels in that moment and the intensity of that moment. And the great thing about Mack and why we love him is that he speaks from the heart and he plays from the heart, and you get that sort of honesty. That’s the man himself, and, you know, we're grateful for that.”

Meanwhile, out-half Josh Ioane is set to miss Saturday’s clash against Ulster at Dexcom Stadium having picked up another head injury against Leinster.