Hugo Keenan explains Sevens switch ahead of Olympics
“The idea was always there."
Hugo Keenan admits the Olympics was never far from mind following breaking through in the fifteens game with Leinster and Ireland.
Sure there was a lot to be busy with, URC, Champions Cup, Six Nations, a Rugby World Cup.
But there was always a feeling he had left some unfinished business behind when it came to the Sevens team.
“The idea was always there," he says of switching back for the Paris Olympics.
"Four or five years ago my last tournament with the Sevens was a qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics in Toulouse and I had to step away from that goal at the time.
"I always sort of had it in the back of my mind that I’d love to do it but it all was going to depend on how this season panned out.
"It was always going to be a late decision and based on whether my body was right because I had a few injuries hanging around after the Six Nations."
However, and following on from the idea that Antoine Dupont was going to be released to play for France in the Olympics, Keenan felt this could be a runner for him too.
"It all happened pretty quickly in the few weeks leading into my transition.
"So while it was probably always an option I was always just so focused on the European Cup with Leinster and the Six Nations with Ireland.
"Anybody who tried to talk to me about the Sevens I wasn’t really considering it because I just wanted to focus on those two.
"It was only a week or two before the Champions Cup that I made a decision because ultimately it was too hard to turn down because it was too good of an opportunity and experience for me.”
The IRFU, and most importantly Andy Farrell, were not against the idea at all although Keenan wondered what those already in the squad might think of an 'interloper' jumping back in after a four year break.
“There was nerves, your first day of school sort of thing," he admits, "but going into the tournament in Madrid I knew 12 out of the 13 lads who were over there and I chatted to a good few before going over.
"I’d conversations with them about coming in to play for the Sevens side and everyone was so welcoming.
"From minute one they welcomed me in with open arms, they were brilliant, and the transition was easier in that regard because of how nice they were, how friendly everyone was, and how accommodating they were and helpful to get me back up to speed.
"The thought of it is nearly worse than getting into it and when you’re into it then you’re into a tournament and it’s Madrid Sevens, it’s exciting and you’re playing in the top eight cup so to speak. It was a cool week."
Madrid had gone well, another obstacle hurdled.
“Coming back in after that, I was straight into a Croatian tournament with a different group again, probably a few of the younger, less experienced lads.
"But there’s no better way to get to know a group of lads than on the rugby pitch in Croatia for a week, staying in a hotel with them and spending 24-7 with them for five or six nights.
"It was a brilliant way to jump into things with the Sevens squad and I suppose to get into that close-knit group that they have. And one of the reasons they’ve done so well is definitely because of it."
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
