JACQUES NIENABER believes it is important not to stand in Hugo Keenan’s way in his pursuit of Olympic gold with the Ireland Sevens squad.

Before establishing himself as a full-back in the 15s game, Keenan spent several seasons in the IRFU Sevens programme.

And having elected to make a return earlier this month, he will be at this weekend’s HSBC SVNS Grand Final in Madrid.

Like France’s Antoine Dupont — who got the better of Keenan’s Leinsterwith Toulouse in the European Champions Cup decider last Saturday — he is now hoping to feature in the forthcoming Olympics.

And Blues coach Nienaber fully understands this burning desire.

The South African said: “I think it probably is up to the player as well, if that’s your dream. South Africa is renowned for letting players play Sevens. If you think of the squad that won the World Cup in 2023, Kurt-Lee Arendse came through Sevens.

“Cheslin Kolbe, Olympic bronze. Kwagga Smith, Commonwealth gold, Olympic bronze. For me, the Olympics is such a big thing.