Hugo Keenan to Lead Ireland’s Sevens Squads in Paris Olympics

Hugo Keenan, the Leinster full-back, leads alongside Connacht wing Andrew Smith in Ireland’s unveiling of its men’s and women’s sevens squads for the upcoming Paris Olympics this summer. The squads blend seasoned veterans and promising talents, both returning under coach James Topping. Keenan joins the ranks alongside renowned French star Antoine Dupont, marking a notable crossover from the XV’s team to the July tournament.

Harry McNulty, who participated in the Tokyo Games will lead the men’s team as captain. McNulty brings experience and leadership to a squad that finished impressively in second place in the overall World Series standings. The Stade de France will host the Rugby Sevens events, with the men’s competition scheduled from 24-27 July and the women’s tournament following from 28-30 July.

This marks a historic moment as both the men’s and women’s teams have qualified simultaneously for the Olympics. The men earned their spot at the Paris Games after successfully qualifying at the European Games in Krakow last summer. Meanwhile, the women’s journey to Olympic qualification has been arduous, narrowly missing out on Rio and Tokyo appearances. Veterans Terry Kennedy, Jordan Conroy and Hugo Lennox join younger talents like Jack Kelly, Gavin Mullin and Mark Roche.

The women’s squad features a blend of experience and fresh faces, including standout performers Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Stacey Flood and Béibhinn Parsons. Notably, Ashleigh Orchard returns to the team a year after giving birth to her daughter, Arabella. Kathy Baker and Alanna Fitzpatrick, who debuted last summer, add depth to the squad. Former Meath gaelic footballer Vikki Wall and others like Claire Boles and Amy Larn were named travelling reserves.

Scheduled for 23 June, the pool draws for the rugby sevens tournament will set the stage for an exhilarating Olympic competition in Paris.