Leinster pair Hugo Keenan and Will Connors enjoyed dream debuts for Ireland in their 50-17 Six Nations victory over Italy at the Aviva Stadium yesterday.

Left winger Keenan scored two tries, while openside Connors also bagged a try and finished as Ireland's top tackler (20). Both 24-year-olds came through the Leinster schools system, Keenan at Blackrock and Connors at Clongowes Wood, before featuring on the Ireland U20 team that reached the World Cup final in 2016.

Rugby's gain was the GAA's loss in both cases with Keenan having captained St Mary’s Boys National School, Booterstown to Cumann na mBunscol glory at Croke Park over a decade ago, while Connors played midfield for Kildare club Cappagh.

Keenan’s cousin Mark Dignam plays for UCD in the Airtricity League.

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