HUGO KEENAN is desperate to give Ireland’s record-breaking army of travelling fans something to cheer in Rome.
Simon Easterby’s men face Italy in their final Six Nations game today.
The holders still have a chance of securing a third successive Championship following last week’s punishing defeat by France in Dublin – but it is a wafer-thin one.
Yet that has not stopped Ireland fans travelling en masse to the Eternal City for the St Patrick’s Day weekend – in what will be the biggest ever away support in the Six Nations.
Keenan said: “We’re privileged and honoured that so many people are spending the money to come and see us. Because it’s not cheap. I’ve seen the prices of flights!”
Italian Rugby Federation officials estimate that between 25,000 and 30,000 tickets for the 72,698- capacity Stadio Olimpico were snapped up by Ireland fans.
While the team’s hopes were quashed last week, most of their supporters have still travelled with 50 flights departing from Ireland over the past 48 hours.
And Leinster ace Keenan admitted that it is a motivation for Ireland to put on a show.
He added: “To get over to support us and get behind us, it’s brilliant. It’s disappointing that we’re not giving them the dream ending that everyone was hoping for and we were hoping for. But we’re going to have to make it a special day for them.
“I still remember the World Cup days, the amount that travelled to the Millennium and Murrayfield.
“And it seems like even more are coming to Rome so it’s really exciting.”
Captain Caelan Doris admitted that some of his family and friends are still scrambling for tickets.
He added: “I think the travelling support we get is often louder and more boisterous maybe than some of the home support we get.
“It’s very special. I’ve family and friends travelling.
“So I’m looking forward to having them here.”
While Ireland are in with a shout, a third Six Nations title in a row is a long shot.
Easterby’s side would need a bonus-point win combined with France losing to Scotland and England NOT getting a bonus-point win over Wales.
The struggling Under-20 men’s side are also in Italy and ended their Six Nations campaign last night with 15-12 defeat against the hosts.
Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that coverage of the Championship will remain with free-to-air broadcasters until 2029 after RTÉ and Virgin agreed deals with the tournament organisers.
