The pair would have more interactions at Leinster when McNamara was working at the province as academy manager and Leinster A’s head coach.
After five years in Dublin, where he also coached Ireland’s Under-20s to Grand Slam success in 2019, McNamara made the move to South Africa in 2021 to join the Sharks as attack and backs coach.
From there, he joined Bordeaux in 2023 and has helped the French side to back-to-back European titles.
Keenan, who is in Ireland camp ahead of November’s Nations Championship matches, said it was “an exciting appointment”.
“It’s good to have him on board and I think that’s the general feedback amongst the squad,” Keenan said.
“I’m sure he’s got a different perspective of things, by getting out of the building, going down to South Africa, challenging himself down there, and going so well and thriving at Bordeaux.”
Speaking on the Ireland Rugby Social podcast, back rower Jack Conan added that McNamara’s appointment will be “huge” for the team.
“It’ll be good to have him back. I never really worked with him directly before, but a great man and rugby brain,” he explained.
“The lads are very excited. I think change is good and hopefully he can elevate us and bring some success that he’s had at Bordeaux and push us to a new level.”