Paris 2024: Hugo Keenan to represent Ireland in rugby sevens at Olympic Games
Updated 18/06/2024 at 10:56 GMT+1
Leinster back Hugo Keenan will switch codes this summer to represent Ireland in the rugby sevens competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Keenan has previously been part of the sevens programme and was reintegrated into the squad last month. The 27-year-old will join France's Antoine Dupont as one of the most high-profile players in the tournament.
Exclusive: 'It’s time’ – Bach excited as Olympics prepare to return to Paris after 100 years
Video credit: TNT Sports
Hugo Keenan will represent Ireland in the rugby sevens tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Leinster back is a crucial part of Ireland’s rugby union team but will be switching codes this summer.
He was previously part of the sevens programme from 2017 to 2019 and was reintegrated into Ireland’s squad last month.
Keenan will not be the only high-profile rugby union player to compete in the sevens tournament at Paris 2024, with Toulouse's Antoine Dupont set to represent hosts France.
Ireland, captained by Harry McNulty, head to the Games as World Series runners-up.
It will be the country’s second appearance in the Olympic men’s rugby sevens tournament after a 10th-placed finish at Tokyo 2020.
McNulty is one of seven players set to compete at a second Olympics alongside Terry Kennedy, Jordan Conroy, Hugo Lennox, Jack Kelly, Gavin Mullin and Mark Roche.
Connacht’s Andrew Smith will join Keenan as the other 15s player in the squad, while head coach James Topping has given the remaining spots to Niall Comerford, Chay Mullins and Zac Ward.
“It is an incredible honour to lead the squad to this summer’s Olympics,” said McNulty. “We performed strongly this season with our highest ever finish and it is a great foundation for our preparations leading into the Games.
“We have a lot of competition in the squad and it’s driving everyone to push harder every day.
“Paris is coming along very quickly and we are excited for the weeks ahead. We are working really hard to make sure we are in the best shape, mentally and physically, for the Games to maximise our potential and chase our Olympic medal ambitions.”
- Paris Olympics can transform rugby sevens, says Pinder
- England stars Kildunne and Jones to join GB Sevens' bid for gold at Paris Olympics
Head coach Allan Temple-Jones has named his Ireland team for the women’s rugby sevens tournament at Paris 2024, with Ashleigh Orchard securing a spot just a year after giving birth to her daughter.
Key contributors to Paris 2024 qualification - Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Stacey Flood, Emily Lane, Beibhinn Parsons, Erin King, Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Eve Higgins and Megan Burns - are all included in the squad.
Kathy Baker has returned from a long-term knee injury, while teenager Alanna Fitzpatrick has also been selected.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement