Hugo Keenan is aiming to be back at full fitness for the start of Ireland's Six Nations campaign.

The full-back has not played since the British and Irish Lions triumphed against Australia over the summer, when he scored the decisive try in the second Test to secure the series win.

However, he had pre-planned hip surgery after returning from the tour, ruling him out of Ireland's autumn internationals.

Keenan is targeting a return in January, which should leave him with a chance of being named in Andy Farrell's squad for the Six Nations, with Ireland's opener against France taking place on February 5.

"You're brought back down to earth quite quickly from the Lions when you're on crutches for four or five weeks," said Keenen on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast on BBC Sounds.

 

 

 

 

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"You have to get it right and not rush it. I'm back running and moving, and I'm targeting a January return.

"That whole Lions tour was mad. The injury I went in with, to illness, and then being the luckiest lad on the team because everyone got injured. It's funny how the world works sometimes."

Ireland had won back-to-back Six Nations titles but finished third in 2025, with France claiming the title.

Farrell's side also suffered defeats to New Zealand and South Africa in November, with wins over Japan and Australia sandwiched between those two results.