Bernard Jackman: Keenan's Sevens switch is 'brilliant for everybody'

Bernard Jackman believes Hugo Keenan's temporary switch to Sevens rugby this summer is a move that suits all parties, even with the full-back now set to miss Ireland's Test series against South Africa.

The 27-year-old has linked up with the Irish Sevens team this week ahead of the final leg of their World SVNS Series in Madrid, and is expected to be unavailable to Leinster in the URC play-offs as he looks to secure a place in James Topping's squad for the Olympic Games in Paris.

Keenan was a regular for the Ireland Sevens squad between 2017 and 2019, but has become one of the world's best full-backs in the XV's game in recent years, winning 39 caps for Ireland, and cementing his place in the Irish backline.

If he does make the final squad for the Olympic Games in Paris, it would see him miss out on Ireland's two-Test tour of South Africa in July.

"I think it's a great thing for him to do. It's good for his mind," Jackman told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

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The former Leinster and Ireland hooker also believes Keenan's absence from the tour could have long-term benefits for Ireland XV's head coach Andy Farrell, who can use the summer to get more experience into other full-back options.

"I know he's coming back from an injury but in general he plays a hell of a lot of rugby. It helps Ireland, and it also helps Farrell find someone who can step in. It increases Ireland's depth.

"I also think the Sevens players who have done incredibly well without the XV's players, it's more acceptable because he