International Rugby Star Included in Ireland Sevens Squad for 2024 Paris Olympics

International rugby star Hugo Keenan has been included in the Ireland Sevens men’s squad for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Team Ireland announced on Monday. The upcoming tournament will be played at the Stade de France, with head coaches James Topping (men’s) and Allan Temple-Jones (women’s) unveiling their squads.

Leinster’s Keenan, a BBC rugby union regular, has been named in the men’s squad, which will be led by captain Harry McNulty, one of seven players set to become double Olympians next month. McNulty, Terry Kennedy, Jordan Conroy, Hugo Lennox, Jack Kelly, Gavin Mullin and Mark Roche are the other Ireland rugby union players in line to run out in their second Olympic Games.

Additionally, Connacht’s Andrew Smith has been selected for the men’s Sevens squad, alongside Niall Comerford, Chay Mullins and Zac Ward.

“It is an incredible honour to lead the squad to this summer’s Olympics,” said McNulty. “We performed strongly this season with our highest ever finish and it is a great foundation for our preparations leading into the Games. We have a lot of competition in the squad and it’s driving everyone to push harder every day.”

In the women’s tournament, scheduled for July 28-30, Lucy Rock will captain the team, which includes Ashleigh Orchard, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Stacey Flood, Emily Lane, Béibhinn Parsons, Erin King, Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Eve Higgins, Megan Burns, Kathy Baker and Alanna Fitzpatrick. Claire Boles and Amy Larn have been selected as travelling reserves.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Ireland Sevens programme as two teams prepare to compete in Paris,” said Rock. “To lead this team out at the Olympics will be an extremely proud moment.”

The men’s rugby union tournament is set to take place on July 24, 25 and 27, with the squad also including Bryan Mollen and Sean Cribbin as travelling reserves.

🔗 Source