Hugo Keenan (born 18 June 1996) is an Irish professional rugby union player who plays as a fullback for United Rugby Championship club Leinster and the Ireland national team.
Early life
Keenan attended secondary school at Blackrock College. There he was a member of the team that won the 2014 Leinster Schools Senior Cup, with Keenan noted for his running and passing, including scoring a try in the final.
Professional career
Leinster
Keenan debuted for Leinster in 2016 against Zebre.
Ireland U20 and 7s
Keenan played wing for the Ireland under-20 national rugby union team. Keenan started all matches for the Ireland under-20 team during the 2016 under-20 Six Nations. He also started all matches in the 2016 World Rugby under-20 Championship, including Ireland's historic victory over New Zealand.
Keenan was called into the Ireland national rugby sevens team camp in early 2017. Keenan was part of the Ireland sevens team during the 2017 Grand Prix Series. He scored several tries during Ireland's win at the 2017 Moscow Sevens, including a crucial try in Ireland's 28–21 semifinal win over Russia.
Ireland
Keenan debuted for Ireland on 24 October 2020 in a Six Nations match against Italy, where he started on the wing and scored two tries in a 50–17 win. Keenan then started Ireland's next 17 internationals (2020–2022), scoring tries against Georgia, Italy, USA, England and New Zealand. Keenan was recognized for his strong performance in Ireland’s win against England in the 2022 Six Nations. Keenan was described in March 2022 as the heir to Rob Kearney at fullback for Ireland.
Playing style
Known for his defence, aerial skills and cunning ability to pick up loose kicks and engineer attacking plays for his team, 'The Fox' is considered one of the best fullbacks in the world.
Career statistics
List of international tries
References
External links
Leinster Profile
Pro14 Profile
1996 births
Irish rugby union players
Living people
Ireland international rugby sevens players
University College Dublin R.F.C. players
Leinster Rugby players
People educated at Blackrock College
Rugby union wings
Rugby union players from Dublin (city) Rugby union fullbacks Ireland international rugby union players 2023 Rugby World Cup players