The short but potent tenure as a player for the Cayman Islands national rugby team has come to an end for Conal Keane as he has announced he is hanging up the boots.
His reason? Well, at age 40 he says he’s too old to continue to play competitively.
His decision came after the realisation that he couldn’t keep up with the youngsters climbing the local ranks and trying to make a name for themselves.
“Getting speed-bumped repeatedly by younger and stronger guys takes its toll on the body,” Keane told the Compass. “While the mind is still willing, I think you have to read the signs and pass the torch to the next generation.”
Keane emphasised the importance of allowing those coming up to shine and highlighted talent like Caymanians Tommy Kehoe, who now wears Keane’s #10 jersey and Alex Fox, who he believes will add to the success the team has enjoyed thus far.
Coming from a rugby family – his older brother played for Ireland, notably against England in Twickenham in 1998 – Keane played his first match for Cayman’s national team during the height of the pandemic in December 2021 against Mexico, which he captained.
“I was desperate to play, and we managed to assemble a squad and acquit ourselves well at altitude against a very good Mexico team,” he said. “After a very strange 18 months for everyone, it was a proud moment to be asked to captain the team for my first cap and send some happy news to friends and family here and in my hometown in Ireland – despite six stitches in my ear.”
Keane went on to captain the team for the next two-and-half-years and his last match ended in triumph after Cayman’s XVs squad steamrolled over Bermuda, 44-12.
Though he was captain, he credited many other teammates for the win.
“We had plenty of leaders in the team like Mikey Luxton and big Jeffrey Robinson, so it was a straightforward job,” he said, noting that it was a pity that he and the guys didn’t play more games despite the efforts of team manager Rich McAree.
‘Good times’
Luxton is one of the many players with whom Keane shares fond memories of times together on the pitch.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have some great teammates and coaches over the years, both in Ireland and Cayman,” he said. “Luxton, Alex Manfield and Paul Westin would stand out as consistently special players.
“The Dillon Eustace Storm team collectively have been a joy to be part of (on and off the field). Ed Gough, James Greenwood and Jamie Barnwell are proper rugby men and fine coaches.”
When asked if he had a favourite game, Keane responded, “Undoubtedly our win at home against Mexico in December 2022.
“We produced a first half out of the top drawer and it was a special day to see the lads playing so well in front of their friends and families. On a personal note, I had my daughter beside me singing ‘Beloved Isle Cayman’ and it was just a proud day to beat a country the size of Mexico on Cayman soil.”
Though he is stepping away from his playing career, he will remain a part of the domestic league and will continue to support the national team where needed.
“Men’s rugby is at a crossroads, not just in Cayman but globally, with declining interest and playing numbers,” Keane said. “On the national front, eight young Caymanians made their debut last month in Mexico despite being based off island while pursuing their studies. We need them and the next generation of youngsters to drive Cayman rugby over the next five years.”
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