Ireland have been dealt a huge setback ahead of their summer Nations Championship campaign after captain Caelan Doriswas ruled out through injury.
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The influential back-row forward will miss Ireland’s July fixtures against Australia, Japan and New Zealand after suffering a foot injury during Leinster Rugby’s 36-7 United Rugby Championship final victory over the Bulls at Croke Park.
Doris lasted just seven minutes before limping from the field. Despite the injury, he returned after the final whistle to lift the URC trophy alongside his team-mates, although post-match assessments have now confirmed the injury is serious enough to end his summer campaign.
Ireland have also lost wing Tommy O’Brien, who has been ruled out with a groin injury.
To cover the absentees, head coach Andy Farrell has called up Ulster duo Bryn Cunningham and Zac Ward, while star hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the side during the tour.
Ireland fly to Sydney on Monday before opening their Nations Championship campaign against Australia on 4 July. They will then face Japan on 11 July before taking on New Zealand at Eden Park a week later.
The loss of Doris is another major blow for Farrell, who is already without fly-half Jack Crowley and first-choice prop Andrew Porter through injury.
Speaking after Leinster’s URC triumph, Doris admitted he would have the injury “checked out”, but any hopes of a quick recovery have now been dashed with confirmation he will miss the entire summer tour.
