Hugo Keenan admits injury frustration as he targets New Year return

Leinster and Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan is targeting a return to action in January as he admitted his injury frustrations are getting to him.

The hero for the British and Irish Lions in Australia, Keenan scored the winning try in the second test as Andy Farrell's side won the series 2-1.

Following the tour, the 29-year-old underwent hip surgery and hopes to be back in action early in 2026.

With Leinster losing three out of their first four games, and Ireland currently in Chicago ahead of the All Blacks clash on November 1st, Keenan admitted watching from the sidelines can be frustrating.

"It's all going well, according to plan. It’s hard to tell just over two months post-op.

"The first month was frustrating. I was on crutches, but felt I shouldn’t have been, but that was the advice of the surgeon.

"It was to promote as much healing and rest and recovery.

"The last couple of weeks I’ve been kicking on with my rehab, a lot of gym work, swimming, bike work.

"It’s weeks like this that’s it’s tougher, a bit frustrating.

"The frustrations are getting to me but I just have to control what I can. I’m still targeting a return around New Year but a game isn’t pencilled in.

"It’s about meeting certain markers to progress into running and field work. It wasn’t like I got an injury in the last Lions Test, I had [surgery] pencilled in.

"Midway through the tour we all decided it was the best thing for me.

"You try and help with the prep during the week and chat to the back three. Ultimately, you want to be out there in those big inter-pros in Croke Park.

"It was frustrating watching that game, it has probably been the toughest week of injured life so far. Between that and the lads jetting off to Chicago, you are nearly envious of