Full-back Hugo Keenan is aiming to be match for Eire’s Six Nations marketing campaign after being sidelined by a hip harm.

Keenan has not performed for the reason that British and Irish Lions’ victorious tour of Australia in the summertime.

The 29-year-old scored the decisive attempt within the second Take a look at to safe the collection however had pre-planned hip surgical procedure shortly after returning residence.

That dominated him out of Eire’s autumn internationals however he’s set to return for Leinster within the new 12 months, earlier than Andy Farrell’s aspect tackle France of their Six Nations opener on 5 February.

“You are introduced again all the way down to earth fairly shortly from the Lions whenever you’re on crutches for 4 or 5 weeks,” mentioned Keenen on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast on BBC Sounds.

“It’s important to get it proper and never rush it. I am again working and shifting, and I am concentrating on a January return.”

Regardless of being sidelined for the reason that Lions, Keenan mentioned that scoring the decisive attempt within the victory in Australia is “the stuff you dream of”.

“That complete Lions tour was mad. The harm I went in with, to sickness after which being the luckiest lad on the crew as a result of everybody bought injured,” he mentioned.

“It is humorous how the world works typically.”

Reigning champions Leinster have had a tough begin to the United Rugby Championship season with three victories from their six matches.

After successful back-to-back Six Nations titles, Eire slipped to 3rd on this 12 months’s desk and misplaced to New Zealand and South Africa in November.

Nonetheless, Keenan says he does not have any issues in regards to the state of play with each province and nation.

“I do not suppose the previous few years have been excellent. We have had good years with Leinster and Eire, however you possibly can’t win all of them,” he mentioned.

“There’s been sensible days and actually powerful days. I would not fear in regards to the state of it in the mean time.”