Not only is he a safe pair of hands, he seems to convert every touch of the ball into a potential attacking opportunity. He plays as a wing with UCD and with Leinster Rugby, and with the Ireland national rugby union team. On the latest episode of, House of Rugby Ireland, former Leinster star Fergus McFadden outlined [from 46:00 below] why Keenan would be a solid option to start at No.15 against Italy. I was lucky to create so many memories that will stay with me, he adds. Everyone In. It will come as no surprise to anyone who has watched the evasive running ability, sharp distribution qualities and exciting skillset of Hugo Keenan in Leinster blue over the last two seasons that he had been a pivotal and integral player during Irelandspursuit of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series qualification in recent years. Hugo Keenan (born 18 June 1996) is an Irish rugby union player. "It is that step up in intensity, I'd say the ball-in-play time was pretty high and it's just that physicality level as well, you've got big boys out there.". Hugo Keenan had no complaints about being denied Irelands second-ever debut hat-trick. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile. I do get a bit jealous of watching the lads on the World Series this year when theyre off doing well in places like Cape Town and Sydney but its great to be able to watch them on that stage. Hugo Keenan has been backed by Ireland coach Mike Catt for a huge future in Test rugby Ireland coach Mike Catt has tipped debutant Leinster back Hugo Keenan for It did wonders for my handling skills, my passing and overall decision-making.. I think the benefits are there for everyone to see, he adds. Vodafone. When Hugo Keenan plays tomorrow he will be the fourth different occupier of the No 15 jersey on the day Ireland open their Six Nations account in Andrew Conway completes the back three. Hugo Keenan shifts from the wing to full-back to accommodate his Leinster team-mate. Read about our approach to external linking. Theres also the physical side of it too. Keenan is all set to start in his first Champions Cup game on Saturday, when Leinster and Sarries renew acquaintances. Hugo has always been fast and was a pretty good footballer, and I think football was good for his footwork in rugby. By the time Will Connors and Hugo Keenan called home, neither they nor their families could keep their emotions in check. HUGO KEENAN 7 Like the caretaker at the Overlook Hotel, Keenan looks like hes always been Irelands fullback. Hugo KEENAN is a 24-year-old Irish rugby player standing at 1.85 m tall (6 ft 1 in) and weighing in at 92 kg (14 st 6.83 lb; 202.83 lb) , who currently plays for Leinster Rugby in Ireland as fullback. I think we even surprised ourselves that week but it was a great way to start my time with the team, Keenan tells IrishRugby.ie. Hugo Keenan shifts from the wing to full-back to accommodate his Leinster team-mate. Hugo Keenan, also in that under-20 side, will debut on the left wing in a pacy back three. My sister had come up from Australia and my cousin came from New Zealand to meet us there so it was a great weekend and memory to have.. I knew training and playing in that team consistently would improve my skills massively and just make me a better rugby player. Hugo Keenan won 12 Ireland Men's Sevens caps. Like Keenan, Connors represent Ireland at Sevens before enjoying an eye-catching 2019-20 season with Leinster. It will come as no surprise to anyone who has watched the evasive running ability, sharp distribution qualities and exciting skillset of Hugo Keenan in Leinster blue over the last two seasons that he had been a pivotal and integral player during Irelands pursuit of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series qualification in recent years. He is a former Ireland Sevens player before joining the Leinster senior team and winning his first cap for Ireland in the 2020 Six Nations, scoring two tries in that debut against Italy. Between 2017 and 2019, the full-back played 12 times for Irelands national rugby sevens team at fly-half, before making the permanent switch to 15s. Garibisi made his mark in his debut, as he broke through the Irish defence to get the final say in the game. Ireland beat Olympic champions Great Britain 2-1 in Belfast to level their series at one win apiece before Tuesday's decider. Keenan was called into the Ireland sevens camp in early 2017. Irish debutants Hugo Keenan, Will Connors and Dave Heffernan shined in their Test match debuts for the Ireland Rugby team this afternoon, as Andy Farrells side romped to victory against Italy. INPHO/Billy Stickland. (Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile) McFadden is set to hang up his playing boots at the end of this season. The main sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team. ", "I suppose just to help them in the first half to get those early tries, they came at important times, to help the team like that was extra special.". His switch to the No15 shirt allows Leinsters Hugo Keenan to come in on the wing for his Ireland debut after impressing at club level. October 23 2020 11:54 AM Mike Catt has tipped Ireland debutant Hugo Keenan for a huge future in Test rugby. Recognising the level of competition in his position and the conveyor belt of talent ahead of him at Leinster during his first year in the Academy, Keenan jumped at the opportunity to gain exposure and experience with the Ireland Mens Sevens and made his debut at the 2017 Moscow Sevens, a tournament Eddys side won as they beat Spain in the final. Keenan and Connors score debut tries as Ireland go top with big win over Italy, Ringrose out for up to six weeks with broken jaw. "It's nice to get that off my back and yeah, (it's been) a long time coming really.". RE:LIVE: @IrishRugby continue to make sevens history as they progress to their first ever Cup semi-final on the world series after beating USA at the #London7s Hugo Keenan and Will Connors: The best of friends, the best of debuts Leinster duo both shone on their Ireland bows against Italy on a day to remember Sat, Oct 24, 2020, 21:09 Former New Zealand flanker Craig Newby will join Ulster on a one-year deal as skills coach in a reshuffle at the Pro14 side. Keenans performances for Ireland in the seven-a-side format, and indeed the obvious potential he showed in his first three starts for Leinster, earned him a first senior contract with the province ahead of this season and there is no doubt his time with the Sevens programme aided his development and broadened his skillset. From the section Rugby Union Watch debutant Hugo Keenan finish off a spectacular counter-attack as Ireland score a length-of-the-field try during their 50-17 win over Italy in the Six Nations. Not many rugby players can say they played for Ireland at a World Cup and it was a great experience for all of us. They now head to Paris with their fate in their own hands win with a bonus point against France next week, they are guaranteed the Six Nations title. I played out-half in the Sevens game and you just get your hands on the ball so much. Don't Miss. Press Release from Irish Rugby . "It's incredible, will is one of my best mates, probably my best mate in rugby," Keenan reflected. Sport (Rep. of Ireland) Rugby Union; Ireland; Irish Rugby; Leinster Hugo Keenan is selected at fullback with Keith Earls and James Lowe, making his Guinness Six Nations debut, named on the wing. He also formerly played fly-half for the Ireland national rugby sevens team. It was a really special one for me as well because I had my whole family over. Up Next . I couldnt have enjoyed my time in the dressing room with that group of players more.. Who is Hugo Keenan: Ten things you should know about the Ireland back Hugo Keenan had an unconventional rise to professional rugby, before making his Read more on rugbyworld.com. Ireland issue squad update. The Ireland team to play France in the final round of the Six Nations has been named. Keenan was awarded his first Ireland cap after a breakout 2019-20 season with his province, during which he impressed but did not score any tries. That ability to get your hands on the ball and distribute it. The uncapped Will Connors has received the No. He plays as a wing with UCD and with the Leinster academy, and also plays fly-half for the Ireland national rugby sevens team. After a shaky start in Dublin the hosts produced some scintillating attacking play, showcasing the style that many fans have been calling for since Andy Farrell took over as head coach. Teams+. Hugo Keenan during Leinster Rugby squad training at UCD in Dublin. There were seven tries in total for Ireland and they won with a bonus point. Connors, also 24, was awarded Man of the Match after a try-scoring 80 minute display. You have to be fit, you have to be well conditioned and when you go back to the XVs game, youre used to playing at that high intensity which definitely stands to you.. Ireland debutant Hugo Keenan was at the double as Six Nations action resumed, with the home side hammering Italy 50-17.. Irish Rugby Newsletter + Latest Newsletter; Newsletter Archive; Sign Up; News Archive; Search the Site; Ireland. Having helped Ireland earn World Series core team status, Keenans final tournament in green was at the Rugby Europe Olympic Qualifier last summer, where a third-place finish guaranteed Eddys side a berth in the final Olympic Repechage tournament, which was due to be played in June before the postponement of the Games until 2021. Hugo Keenan was the stand-out player in Irish rugby in 2020. Hugo Keenan appears to have secured the No15 shirt after his latest assured performance in the Six Nations, and should be one of the first names on the team sheet as a result. "(But) The lads celebrating with you, it's such a cool feeling. Keenan was part of the squad that endured heartbreak in Hong Kong in 2018 as Ireland fell short of achieving their aim of World Series qualification, but having made three starts for Leinster in the early part of the 2018/19 campaign and then bounced back from shoulder surgery, the former Blackrock College man returned to Hong Kong with Ireland last April. "It was blowing early on I'm not going to lie," Keenan admitted. During his two years in the Sevens programme, Keenan, a former Ireland Under-20 international, won 12 caps for Anthony Eddys side, and was a regular presence throughout the key moments on Irelands journey to the World Series the memorable third place finish in London, to the World Cup in San Francisco, and then last years qualifying tournament win in Hong Kong. Keenan scored two first half tries as Ireland stormed past Italy to move to the top of the Six Nations table with a 50-17 win in Dublin. Related Topics: 6 Nations Cardiff Blues Featured Ireland Nations Championship Wales. He recalls: Once I got back from my collarbone injury, all the focus was on Hong Kong and nothing else. It was a brilliant experience to kick things off and, as a team, we just started performing better and better in each tournament, building momentum and confidence.. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough 18 months with Leo Cullens Leinster, earning his first senior start for the province in November 2018 and making nine appearances at full-back up until the suspension of the current campaign, the attributes he developed and honed in the Sevens game on show for everyone to see. Last updated on 24 October 202024 October 2020.From the section Irish Rugby. You can read our previous My Sevens Experience features with Connachts Tom Daly and Munsters Shane Daly here. "The lads have been giving me a good bit of stick, James Lowe especially," Keenan said. Keenan was part of the Ireland sevens team during the 2017 Grand Prix Series. Ireland making sevens history - Hugo Keenan scores in Their dominance finally paid off after a lineout set up a skip pass out to Hugo Keenan on however. Losing there the year before was one of my toughest moments in rugby and we were so intent on righting the wrongs of the previous year. "It was so cool. Hugo Keenan (born 18 June 1996) is an Irish rugby union player. Ireland's Hugo Keenan says his international debut was a "very, very special" moment despite the lack of crowd creating a surreal atmosphere. Keenan was awarded his first Ireland cap after a breakout 2019-20 season with his province, during which he impressed but did not score any tries. Place of Birth Dublin, Ireland Height 1.85 M (6' 1') Weight 92 KG (14st, 5lbs) It honestly didnt matter I was injured and missed the knockout rounds and final because all that mattered was qualifying for the World Series and we did that. Ireland's win over Scotland will not cover up the glaring issues still facing Andy Farrell's side with one Six Nations game left. Beating USA in the quarter-final in London was a special one and then the World Cup in San Fran was incredible. Lessons learned from elite sport. 14. From his debut tournament, Keenan became a key member of the Ireland squad as they navigated their way through the European ranks and enjoyed particular success along the way, notably in 2018 when they won the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series, claimed bronze at Twickenham as an invitational team and earned a ninth-place finish at the World Cup. Looking back now, I appreciate how important that was in my development because it got me familiar with the first receiver role, which is obviously a big part of the way Leinster play and a big part of my role at full-back. Against Italy on Saturday he crossed the whitewash three times in the first half, although one of those scores was disallowed for an infringement in the build-up. Keenan was one of four Leinster debutants with Jamison Gibson-Park and Ed Byrne coming off the bench to win their first caps while Will Connors started at flanker. 15. Ireland; Ireland Wolfhounds; Ireland Women; Ireland Under 20; Sevens. Irish rugby Player of the Year Garry Ringrose starts in midfield and is joined by Connacht powerhouse Bundee Aki, who gets the nod ahead of Robbie Henshaw. "We made our European Cup debut against Saracens about a month ago and we've sort of been going up the ranks together so it's really special.". In my second year of the Academy, I pretty much committed to the Sevens programme full-time as we built towards Hong Kong, Keenan explains. Sevens Index; Men's Sevens; Women's Sevens; Women's Sevens Dublin; Sevens Fixtures; Tickets & Hospitality+. Unfortunately I got injured in our final group game when I twisted my ankle but it still took nothing away from how special that week was for us. Born in Dublin in 1996, Keenan stands at 6 ft 1in (185cm) tall and weighs 14 st 5 lbs (92kg). The team sees just one enforced change from the side which defeated Italy last weekend. Full time, Ireland 50-17 Italy. "It was a bit different than I might have imagined growing up," Keenan laughed after the game. Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 5, 2021. Our dads get on very well and there's a good connection between the families. Team of Us. 2. The experience of playing on the international stage in pressurised environments improved me as a rugby player and the skills you learn and are forced to use under pressure rounded my game in both attack and defence. On the notable highlights from his two years in the Ireland Sevens programme, and there were quite a few, Keenan says the World Cup will always stand alongside the win in Hong Kong as memories he will cherish whatever he goes on to achieve in the rest of his rugby career. A great reader of the game and highly-competent under the high ball, Keenan has the tools to be Rob Kearneys true successor in the middle of the Irish back three. Eight months on from their last Six Nations game, a defeat by England at Twickenham, Ireland cruised past Italy in order to set-up an intriguing final weekend of fixtures. Keenan, 24, gets his chance on the wing, where he has been outstanding for Leinster since Irish rugby's restart, with Andrew Conway bringing his experience, pace and nous to the back three.
Koss Porta Pro Rtings, Waterloo Public Health Covid, South Yorkshire Floods 2007, Amazon Delivery Driver - Saskatoon, Allied Benefit Systems Provider Phone Number, Advent Of Ascension Dimensions, Captain Toad Episode 3 Level 11, Specific Gravity Of Wine Before Bottling, The Bay Seniors Day September 2020,
Koss Porta Pro Rtings, Waterloo Public Health Covid, South Yorkshire Floods 2007, Amazon Delivery Driver - Saskatoon, Allied Benefit Systems Provider Phone Number, Advent Of Ascension Dimensions, Captain Toad Episode 3 Level 11, Specific Gravity Of Wine Before Bottling, The Bay Seniors Day September 2020,