Leinster Hugo Keenan Opts for Sevens at Paris Olympics

Leinster full-back, Hugo Keenan, has chosen to skip Ireland’s two-Test series against world champions South Africa this summer. Instead, he will join the Irish Sevens team at the Paris Olympics. The understanding is that Keenan, who transitioned from Sevens to 15s, will join the Ireland squad for the upcoming leg of the World Sevens Series in Madrid.

Keenan is expected to play for Leinster in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final against Toulouse in London, following his return from injury last week against Ulster. Keenan may also join the Sevens squad for the Rugby Europe 7s Championship in Croatia in June but he could potentially return for the later stages of the United Rugby Championship play-offs if Leinster progresses.

In an announcement last year, David Nucifora, the Irish Rugby Football Union performance director stated that contracted players from each province may have the opportunity to play for the Ireland Sevens Olympic team. Currently, the Sevens squad does not include any Ulster players, although Baloucoune hinted at being part of an extended squad.

Baloucoune has stated that he believes representing Ireland at the Paris Games would be a “special” experience. France captain Antoine Dupont is supporting his country’s Olympic bid, while Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper is striving to secure a place in Australia’s Sevens squad. The Stade de France in Paris will host the Olympic Sevens men’s tournament from July 24-27. The Ireland 15s team will face back-to-back world champions South Africa in Pretoria on July 6 and again in Durban on July 13.