ITV forced to apologise over Rugby World Cup star's outburst after stunning win

24 September 2023 , 08:54

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Mack Hansen caught himself swearing during a post-match interview

ITV Sport presenter Mark Pougatch issued an apology after Ireland winger Mack Hansen accidentally dropped an f-bomb in the aftermath of his team's Rugby World Cup win against South Africa.

Ireland dug deep to secure a 13-8 victory over the Springboks at the Stade de France on Saturday. It preserved their perfect record at the World Cup, after more comfortable victories over Romania and Tonga in their first two pool stage outings.

Hansen scored Ireland's only try of the game, with Jonny Sexton adding two extra points with the conversion, but Cheslin Kolbe crossed early in the second half to add to Manie Libbok's early penalty. A Sexton penalty put Ireland back in front, though, with substitute Jack Crowley following suit.

The five-point lead was a vulnerable one, though, prompting wild celebrations when Ireland's victory was secured. Hansen's excitement was plain to see when he spoke to ITV after the final whistle, and he almost stopped himself swearing on live TV before forcing the broadcaster into an apology.

"It was pretty much like a Grand Slam on steroids out there. It was crazy," Hansen said before praising the impact of the fans who flocked to Saint-Denis.

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"It said that there were 80,000, it seemed like there were like f***ing...." He then apologised for swearing, saying "Oh pardon. Pardon again."

"It seemed like there were 800,000," Hansen continued. "It was incredible and we needed every single one of them out there tonight to get that job done against a really good South Africa team. They're just so big and physical and they still showed up tonight. Yeah, it was definitely the fans that got us over there."

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Mack Hansen's try helped Ireland stun South Africa (AP)

It was South Africa's first defeat at a World Cup in four years, almost to the day. They lost their opening pool game to New Zealand in 2019 before roaring back to win the tournament in Japan, and Hansen recognised the significance of his team getting past the reigning champions.

"Look, they're the defending champions," he said. "They know exactly what it takes to win in this World Cup, so to get a win over them - that's as good as it can get, really.

"It gives us a lot of strength and a lot of belief, but we've got a tough week next week as well against a really good Scotland team and if we get the win there and everything goes well it's either France or New Zealand, so it doesn't get any easier as well. So we'll take this win, we'll enjoy it for now, and it's straight onto the next."

Scotland know they can't afford another defeat as they get ready to take on Ireland on October 7. Gregor Townsend's team lost 18-3 to South Africa in their opener, and have a chance to set up a big pool stage finale with victories over Tonga and Romania in their next two outings.

Tom Victor