Hugo Keenan named in Ireland Sevens Men's squad, Vikii Wall misses out on Women's panel

Hugo Keenan and Andrew Smith have both been included in the Ireland Men's Sevens squad for the Olympic Games, while former Meath footballer Vikki Wall has missed out on the Women’s panel.

Leinster full-back Keenan and Connacht wing Smith were previously part of the Sevens programme and reintegrated back into James Topping’s squad last month.

Harry McNulty, who is one of seven players set to become a double Olympian, will captain Ireland Men, while Lucy Rock will lead Ireland Women as Allan Temple-Jones' side prepare for their maiden Olympic appearance in Paris.

Coming off the back of an impressive HSBC SVNS Series season as they finished second in the overall standings, Ireland Men will once again compete in sport's showpiece event having made their Olympic debut in Tokyo.

McNulty, Terry Kennedy, Jordan Conroy, Hugo Lennox, Jack Kelly, Gavin Mullin and Mark Roche are in line to represent Team Ireland for the second consecutive Games.

Niall Comerford, Chay Mullins and Zac Ward are also set for their Olympic bows having been integral members of the squad during the SVNS Series campaign.

In addition, Bryan Mollen and Sean Cribbin have been named as travelling reserves and will travel with the squad to Paris.

McNulty said: "It is an incredible honour to lead the squad to this summer’s Olympics. We performed strongly this season with our highest ever finish and it is a great foundation for our prep leading into the Games.

"We have a lot of competition in the squad and it’s driving everyone to push harder every day."

The tournament takes place between 24-27 July.

Meanwhile, double All-Ireland winner Wall (above), who made a switch from AFLW to try her hand at rugby in September of 2023, has not made Temple-Jones' 12-woman panel.

Speaking