Hugo Keenan out of Six Nations opener as Ireland’s injury list continues to grow

By Chris Collyer

Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions series winner Hugo Keenan has fractured his thumb in training, which excludes him from Ireland’s Six Nations opener against France next week.

It is a double blow for head coach Andy Farrell, as earlier today it was confirmed that Connacht and Ireland centre Bundee Aki has been left out of the squad pending a disciplinary investigation regarding last Saturday’s loss to Leinster.

The unexpected loss of these two internationals will undoubtedly impact Ireland’s rapid style of play and attacking set pieces, of which the two backs are usually heavily involved.

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Further injury toil for Ireland

Ireland are already suffering a noticeable injury crisis, which includes the loss of the top three looseheads: Andrew Porter, Jack Boyle and Paddy McCarthy.

Farrell is already dealing with the previous injuries: Robbie Henshaw, Mack Hansen, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Ryan Baird, Shane Bolton and Jordan Larmour.

Void left by Lions match winner

Keenan, 29, has not played since the summer when his last act in the British & Irish Lions’ tour of Australia was to land the winning try in the second game, which sealed victory for the tourists.

The fracture also makes the Leinster full-back a doubt for the following Six Nations games against Italy and England.

No call-up has been announced, but with Jamie Osborne and Jacob Stockdale already in camp, Ireland will be forced to reshuffle the deck once again.

READ MORE: Six Nations preview: France v Ireland – Why this opener could determine who takes the crown