Ireland's Rugby Hopes: Keenan Focuses on No Regrets in Six Nations Climax

Hugo Keenan emphasizes Ireland's focus on a regret-free performance against Italy, aiming for a strong finish in the Six Nations despite slim title chances.

Ireland’s full-back Hugo Keenan has expressed the team’s determination to end their Six Nations campaign with no regrets as they prepare to face Italy in Rome this Saturday. Following a disappointing loss to France last weekend, Ireland’s hopes for a third consecutive Six Nations title now depend on other results going in their favor.

Keenan, 28, highlighted the team’s focus on controlling what they can. "Likelihood isn't great for a title win, but we want to know that we have no regrets, that we've done all we can and gotten the performance that we're chasing," he said. The team is prepared to put pressure on England and France in the final day’s matches, hoping for a nervy finish.

Despite securing the Triple Crown with victories over England, Scotland, and Wales earlier in the tournament, Keenan believes Ireland has yet to showcase their full potential. "There's been good performances, but consistently over the Six Nations we know there's a lot more in us," he added. The upcoming match against Italy presents an exciting challenge, as Rome is known to be a tough venue for visiting teams.

Keenan and the Irish squad are focused on applying lessons learned from their loss to France and other games to deliver a cohesive performance. "Can we take not only the learnings from France but the other games and put it all together? It's exciting because [Italy is] a tough place to go," he remarked. Ireland remains committed to finishing the campaign on a high note, regardless of the final standings.

With the Six Nations title race still hanging in the balance, Ireland’s match against Italy will be a crucial test of their resilience and determination. Fans can expect a spirited performance as the team strives to leave nothing on the field.

What to Read Next

Wales Readies Strong Pack for Crucial 6N Clash with Italy
Rugby

Wales Readies Strong Pack for Crucial 6N Clash with Italy

Wales makes changes to pack for the final Six Nations match against Italy.

Wales' Rugby Hope in Coach Lynn: A Path to Success
Rugby

Wales' Rugby Hope in Coach Lynn: A Path to Success

Wales' players back coach Lynn despite poor start. Hopes for improvement ahead of World Cup.

Finn Russell's Magic in Rugby: A Battle for the European Challenge Cup
Rugby

Finn Russell's Magic in Rugby: A Battle for the European Challenge Cup

Sean Everitt on the challenges of facing Finn Russell in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Exeter Chiefs' Coaching Crisis After Record Loss
Rugby

Exeter Chiefs' Coaching Crisis After Record Loss

Exeter suspends coaches Hunter and Hepher after a disastrous Premiership loss.

Georgia Evans Aims for Ireland Payback in Wales' Rugby Showdown
Rugby

Georgia Evans Aims for Ireland Payback in Wales' Rugby Showdown

Georgia Evans is ready to lead Wales for a payback against Ireland in the Six Nations.

Wales' Disappointing Six Nations Campaign and Path to Recovery
Rugby

Wales' Disappointing Six Nations Campaign and Path to Recovery

Wales' Six Nations campaign was eventful with losses. Coach Lynn aims to turn things around for World Cup.

Scotland's Challenge Against Dominant England in Women's Six Nations
Rugby

Scotland's Challenge Against Dominant England in Women's Six Nations

Scotland makes changes for the big game against England in the Women's Six Nations.

Italy vs Wales Women's Six Nations Showdown: A Battle for Supremacy
Rugby

Italy vs Wales Women's Six Nations Showdown: A Battle for Supremacy

The final Women's Six Nations outing between Italy and Wales holds high stakes.

Ireland's Rugby Funding Model Adjustment for Provincial Teams
Rugby

Ireland's Rugby Funding Model Adjustment for Provincial Teams

The Irish Rugby Football Union has updated the funding model for provincial teams.

South Africa's Danelle Lochner Inks Fresh Harlequins Contract
Rugby

South Africa's Danelle Lochner Inks Fresh Harlequins Contract

South Africa's Danelle Lochner signs a new deal with Harlequins.

Gloucester's Exciting Move: Signing Newcastle's Promising Redshaw
Rugby

Gloucester's Exciting Move: Signing Newcastle's Promising Redshaw

Gloucester signs Newcastle's Ben Redshaw for 2025-26 season.

Cardiff Boosted by Adams and Faletau for Thrilling Connacht Clash
Rugby

Cardiff Boosted by Adams and Faletau for Thrilling Connacht Clash

Cardiff, strengthened by Adams and Faletau, gears up for a challenging match against Connacht.

Claudia MacDonald's Unimaginable Rugby Comeback
Rugby

Claudia MacDonald's Unimaginable Rugby Comeback

Claudia MacDonald's return to rugby after neck injury is remarkable.

Ireland-England Rugby Encounter: Fiancee Face-Off and Team Spirit
Rugby

Ireland-England Rugby Encounter: Fiancee Face-Off and Team Spirit

Ireland's Cliodhna Moloney on facing England and fiancee Claudia MacDonald in Rugby.

England's New Rugby Kit Partnership with Castore
Rugby

England's New Rugby Kit Partnership with Castore

England Rugby secures an improved kit deal with Castore. Find out more!

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.