Old Belvedere scrumhalf Simon Keogh profited from Ciaran Scally's misfortune to travel with the Ireland Under-21 team for the SANZAR Under-21 tournament in Argentina during the summer. He originally understudied London Irish's Kieron Campbell but when the latter was forced to depart from the tournament prematurely with head injuries, he stepped into the first team.

He took his opportunity and learned quickly, recovering from his errors. Small and blocky in stature, he is blessed with great pace and is a constant threat for any back row. His form for his club Old Belvedere has been promising and he will push Campbell hard in the Under-21 set-up for the Six Nations.

Leinster coach Mike Ruddock is aware of his progress and it would come as no surprise if, given continual improvement in several areas of his game, he pushes strongly for a Leinster contract next season.