Ireland: Full-back Hugo Keenan sets sights on Six Nations title

Andy Farrell‘s men go into the competition as one of the favourites following their fine form in the Autumn Nations Series, which included a 29-20 victory over the All Blacks.

The Irish have not claimed the title since 2018, however, and Keenan insists that they are determined to put that right in the 2022 Six Nations.

“I suppose that’s probably the standard that we’ve set and it’s about building upon that,” he told reporters.

“We didn’t win anything in November. We’ve got an opportunity over the next six, eight, whatever number of weeks it is to get a bit of silverware.

“We’re obviously focusing game by game but we’ve got that goal at the end of it as a team and something to drive us towards.

“It’s good foundations but we’ve a lot to improve on and we’ve been working on those things over the last week.”

After making his debut in 2020, Keenan has become a key part of the squad and established himself as Ireland‘s first choice full-back.

Despite playing at that higher level, the Leinsterman felt that he adapted well to the rigours of Test rugby.

“Yeah, you get to know international rugby pretty quickly once you’re into it,” he added.

“It is that step up, it’s more physical, mistakes are punished, you can’t really get away with anything so I think it was pretty much straight away you realise it and it’s about embracing that and I suppose just trying to, once you get a few caps, get more used to it and comfortable with it.

“It’s a testing challenge and it always will be but I suppose that’s the beauty of international rugby. It will always be tough.

“There’s definitely a mental side to it. I suppose what might have helped me was the fact there were no crowds at the start so it took that whole pressure off me I felt.

“It was