Leinster star Hugo Keenan has signed his first central contract with the IRFU that will see him play his rugby in Ireland until the end of the 2025/2026 season.
Keenan made his debut for Ireland against Italy in October 2020 and has since gone on to become a key man for Andy Farrell, starting 27 of Ireland's last 29 Test matches.
In that period he has scored eight tries, the most recent of which came against France last weekend in Ireland's 32-19 win over the reigning Grand Slam champions.
READ MORE: France prop Uini Atonio banned for rest of Six Nations after Rob Herring tackle
He played every minute of Ireland's Test series win over the All Blacks last July, scoring a vital try in the final test that saw Ireland become just the fifth touring team in history to win a test series on New Zealand soil.
At club level, the Blackrock College man has made the fullback position at Leinster his own since Rob Kearney's departure in 2020, and has gone on to score 13 tries in 51 appearances, winning URC titles in 2020 and 2021.
The 26-year-old played Rugby Sevens for Ireland between 2017-2019, Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco in 2018.
He becomes the first player to come through the Sevens programme and sign a central contract with the IRFU.
Commenting on his new contract, Keenan said:
"I am delighted to be part of two very competitive and ambitious environments with Ireland and Leinster.
"I am enjoying my rugby and looking to improve each week and there are so many opportunities to learn more about the game with the quality of coaches we have at provincial and national level."
READ NEXT:
- Tiger Woods praises 'exceptional' Rory McIlroy for his handling of LIV Golf drama
- Irish government will revisit funding Katie Taylor Croke Park fight if May 20th date moved
- 'Significant' penalties promised if gender balance on boards not met by Irish sporting bodies
- France legend issues warning to Irish fans ahead of Euro qualifiers
- Tom Parsons reveals he could have lost his leg in horror injury
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
