Leinster full-back Hugo Keenan is set to miss Ireland’s upcoming tour of South Africa as he gears up to join the Ireland Sevens squad ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris. The 27-year-old’s return to the Sevens format was initially reported by the42.ie, with RTÉ Sport confirming his inclusion in James Topping’s squad for the next leg of the World SVNS Series in Madrid, contingent on his health post-Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final against Toulouse.
Keenan previously played in the Ireland Sevens program from 2017 to 2019 before making significant strides with Leinster and the Irish XV’s team. He has since earned 39 caps, solidifying his position as the first-choice full-back for both province and country.
The decision to integrate Keenan back into the Sevens setup aligns with earlier discussions between Topping and IRFU performance director David Nucifora about incorporating XV players into the Sevens squad in preparation for the Olympics. Leinster’s head coach, Leo Cullen,…