What do we know about Ian Keatley?

 Ian Keatley started his career with Leinster as an academy player in 2007 but failed to make any appearances for the Blues and moved to to the Sportsground to join Connacht in 2008.

Under the reign of Michael Bradley, Keatley enjoyed time as Connacht’s first choice Flyhalf. The Dublin native enjoyed a good run of games performing well for Connacht, however the side continued to underperform in the league and Europe. Keatley’s performances didn’t go unnoticed and in 2009 he earned a call-up to the Ireland squad for their Summer tour to North America, where he earned his first two Irish caps against Canada and USA.

In 2011, Keatley departed for Thomond Park to join Munster after 77 appearances for Connacht racking up 688 points making him the club’s top scorer. He joined Munster as a replacement to Paul Warwick where he would be the understudy to Ronan O’Gara. After two seasons playing second fiddle to O’Gara, Keatley became Munster’s first choice Flyhalf for the 2013/14 season after O’Gara announced his retirement.

He had to wait more than five years for his next Irish cap when he came off the bench against Georgia in November. However with Johnny Sexton out injured Keatley will make his first appearance in a Six Nations game when Ireland take on Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Ciaran Fallon