Keenan pens two-year IRFU extension, Cahir signs for Connacht 

Since joining Leinster on a short-term deal in September, Jerry Cahir has made 14 appearances, including one off the bench in the Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon

Hugo Keenan has made 81 appearances for Leinster since making his debut in 2016. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Hugo Keenan has signed a two-year contract extension with the IRFU and Leinster which will keep him with the province until at least the end of the 2027/28 season.

The 29-year-old spent the early part of this season on the sidelines due to hip surgery and a thumb injury but returned to action in March. Keenan made his Ireland debut in 2020 and has won 46 caps, scoring 13 tries. The fullback won a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023 and the championship the following season along with six URC titles with Leinster. He was also part of last summer's Lions tour of Australia. 

“Hugo is a top-class performer and I am really pleased that he is continuing his journey in Ireland," said Ireland head coach Andy Farrell.

"He has been a model of consistency since his debut in 2020 and I believe that the best is yet to come as he continues to set the highest standards on and off the field of play.”

Meanwhile, Connacht have signed Jerry Cahir from Leinster. The loosehead prop will move to Galway ahead of next season. Cahir joined Leinster on a short-term deal in September but has since become a regular in their matchday squads, making 14 appearances, including one off the bench in the Champions Cup semi-final victory over Toulon.

Cahir, who grew up in Roscrea, represented Connacht at U19 level in 2018. He went on to play AIL with Old Belvedere, Dublin University, and Lansdowne. 

"The opportunity to move to Connacht is something I’m very excited about," said Cahir.

"I am grateful to everyone at Leinster for all they have done for me this season, and for giving me an opportunity when nothing else was on the table. Now I’m really looking forward to making the move to Connacht and hopefully making a similar impact. I loved my time in the age grade setup so I can’t wait to put on the green jersey again."

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster added: "Jerry has made a big impact in Leinster in his short time there, so we’re delighted he has chosen to join Connacht next season and provide us with further quality at loosehead. It speaks volumes that he has fitted in seamlessly in the Leinster front row during many high-profile games, so we are really excited about the impact Jerry can make with Connacht."