In-form Hugo Keenan signs central IRFU contract

In-form Leinster and Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan has signed his first IRFU central contract, committing to continue his career in Ireland until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 26-year-old made his international debut against Italy in October 2020 and has quickly established himself as head coach Andy Farrell's first choice full-back.

The Blackrock College man has started 27 of Ireland’s last 29 games, scoring eight tries. Keenan, who competed for Ireland at sevens level between 2017 and 2019, played every minute of Ireland’s three Test series against New Zealand last summer.

He has been a key figure in Ireland's blistering start to this year's Six Nations championship, with a player of the match performance in Cardiff before securing a second successive bonus-point win last weekend when France were defeated at the Aviva Stadium.

"Hugo is the first player to come through the sevens programme to attain a central XVs contract," David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director said.

"His dedication to improvement and his drive have gotten him to this point of his career and after impressing in his first season at senior international level he has kicked on again over the past 12 months."

Keenan made his Leinster debut against Zebre in November 2016 and has since amassed 51 appearances for his province scoring 13 tries winning URC titles in 2020 and 2021.