Jacques Nienaber on the full-back's big switch: 'The Olympics is such a big thing. I 100% understand Dupont’s decision. I understand Hugo’s decision....players also have dreams. So, I feel, don’t stand in the guy’s way'
Hugo Keenan was torn up to be leaving Leinster after the Champions Cup final to pursue his Olympic dream with the Ireland Sevens.
"It's probably up to the player, if that’s your dream," Nienaber said. "South Africa are well known for letting players play Sevens and if you think in that way the squad that won the World Cup in 2023, Arendse came from Sevens. "Yeah, it’s important for us to get a trophy and he’s an unbelievable player and he’s important for us. But if that’s your dream, to represent your country in the Olympics - and the way the Irish Sevens setup is currently, I think they've an unbelievable chance of getting that medal."
"I don’t think the club will ever stand in the way of the personal ambitions of a player because we are a family and because we love him and he loves us. I promise you that decision tore him apart inside because I know he feels, ‘I’m dropping my brothers here’. But the brothers say, 'listen, we understand, we support you with your decision'.
Hugo Keenan Ireland Rugby Sevens Team IRFU European Champions Cup United Rugby Championship Toulouse Paris Olympic Games
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