Hugo Keenan and Will Connors to get Ireland debuts as Six Nations resumes

With two games still to play, concluding with a trip to France on October 31, Ireland need maximum points from both contests

Hugo Keenan with head coach Andy Farrell at Ireland training yesterday. The Leinster man will make his international debut this weekend. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Hugo Keenan and Will Connors have been handed Test debuts for Ireland against Italy this Saturday as Andy Farrell resumes his bid for the 2020 Guinness Six Nations title.

The Leinster duo, wing Keenan and flanker Connors, both aged 24, are two of six changes announced by head coach Farrell on Wednesday from the side beaten 24-12 by England at Twickenham last time out before the championship was paused in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.