Keenan has a got a ‘ huge future’ with Ireland, says Catt
Mike Catt has tipped Irel a n d d e b u t a n t H u g o Keenan for a "huge future" in Test rugby.
Leinster wing Keenan will make his Test bow in Saturday's rearranged Six Nations clash with Italy in Dublin, having hit prime provincial form.
Attack coach Catt hailed t he 24- year- old I reland S e v e n s c a p' s s e l f l e s s approach that he believes can transfer seamlessly to the Test arena.
"All of the new guys have settled in very well, into an environment where they can come in and be themselves," said Catt. "Andy's ( head coach Andy Farrell) very much created that and really drives that side of it. All the players are here on form. Hugo has this unselfish want to chase the ball, his kick- chase, he's unbelievably quick, unbelievably fit, and he's settled in very, very well. So I see huge things for him, he's got a huge future."
Lei ns t e r f l a nker Will Connors has f orced his way into Ireland's ultracompetitive back- row for his Test debut against the Azzurri. And former Italy coach Catt insisted the 24- year- old is far form a one- trick pony.
Connors' d e va s t a t i ng chop- tackling has elevated him i nto the Ireland starting line- up, but Catt insisted that is far from his only asset. Leinster prop Ed Byrne and scrum- half Jamison Gibson- Park can make their debuts off the bench at the Aviva Stadium too, with Catt impressed by all the newcomers.
"I think Will's very underrated in terms of his handling ability," said Catt.
"Again he's exceptionally quick into breakdowns, not just defensively, attacking- wise too. And he's got a real understanding of the game.”