Second in the regular season, Ireland will outdo themselves in their bid to win their first medal at the Paris Olympic Games (July 24-30). She can count on a powerful reinforcement: Irish XV star Hugo Keenan (age 28). Here's everything you need to know about this team!
Out of the 6-nation tournament, only France and Ireland will participate in the Olympic Games. Great Britain's elimination from the repechage tournament. Although never dominating the discipline, Clover can hope to win the first Olympic medal in its history.
2023-2024 Season:
Ireland haven't done well in the Sevens series so far. But this season, the Irish federation's IRFU sevens program reached a real milestone in terms of results, finishing on the podium for the first time in its history in the regular season. Second behind Argentina.
Also Read: Meet Fiji Sevens Rugby Team Ahead Of Olympics
A feat that can be attributed to brilliant players like Terry Kennedy, a true star of the circuit, author of a full season in which he finished top scorer (42 matches, 32 tries). But the strength of the Irish selection is its extraordinary consistency, always finishing between 2nd and 5th in tournaments.
The only drawback is that Ireland cannot break the glass ceiling. She never won a top-level tournament, finishing second at best. In his second appearance at the Olympic Games, Jimmy Topping's players will be well motivated to achieve this feat in Paris to win the first Olympic medal in Cloverfield history.
Player to watch: Hugo Keenan
Antoine DuPont wasn't the only one to switch from XV to VII with an eye on the Olympic Games. Hugo Keenan (28) joined the sevens program a few weeks ago and will be the attraction of the Irish Olympic group. The arrival of one of the best full-backs in the world will be a huge addition to his squad to perform in Paris. Especially since the Leinster player is no neophyte of the discipline.
The international fullback (38 caps) began his professional career on the sevens circuit and became a world reference between 2017 and 2019. He quickly found a place in the Irish squad and took part in his big comeback during the finals in Madrid. All matches (5 matches, 1 try).
“Fox” won't be the only fifteen player to make the trip to Paris, Andrew Smith, the Connacht winger is already well integrated into the group (39 appearances, 2 tries).
Prediction:
Facing huge competition from New Zealand, Argentina and of course France, it's hard to imagine Ireland on the first step of the podium despite the key contribution of a star like Hugo Keenan. But Terry Kennedy's teammates have all the talent to win a first Olympic medal in Paris, not just a bronze.
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