Bernard Jackman: 'No obvious replacement' for Keenan at full-back

With Hugo Keenan looking like a major doubt for Ireland's Guinness Six Nations clash with Wales next week, it leaves Andy Farrell with a slight selection dilemma.

The Leinster full-back has owned the Irish 15 jersey in recent seasons. Since the start of the 2021 Six Nations, he's started 33 of the team's last 36 games in that position.

In that time, only Mike Lowry and Jimmy O'Brien have worn the 15 jersey for Ireland in a Test match, but neither are in the current squad. O'Brien is out for the championship with a neck injury, while the other obvious full-back candidate, Mack Hansen, is sidelined with a shoulder issue.

While there's no obvious frontrunner for the 15 shirt next week against Wales, there are plenty of contenders.

Ciarán Frawley has often been used to cover full-back for Leinster in Keenan's absence, while Jack Crowley has also done so for Munster, which would open up one of Harry Byrne or Frawley to play at out-half.

Additionally, Calvin Nash, Jacob Stockdale and Jordan Larmour all have some experience of the position, with Ireland forward Caelan Doris naming the latter two as candidates, alongside Frawley earlier today.

Speaking on the RTÉ Rugby podcast, Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy were split in their opinions, with Jackman leaning towards Crowley moving to full-back, giving Byrne getting an opportunity to start at 10.

"He could move Jack Crowley back to 15 and play with Harry Byrne [at 10], just giving Harry another opportunity, Harry played off the bench at the weekend," Jackman said.