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Caelan Doris and Tommy O'Brien ruled out of Ireland's Nations Championship
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Ireland’s preparations for the inaugural Nations Championship Southern Series have suffered a major double blow with the confirmation that captain Caelan Doris and Tommy O’Brien have been ruled out of the inaugural leg of the international competition.
The squad will depart for Sydney on Monday, but they will do so without the Leinster duo, who sustained injuries during their province’s resounding 36-7 United Rugby Championship Grand Final victory over the Bulls at Croke Park on Friday evening.
Doris, who was forced off in the first half with a foot injury after unsuccessfully attempting to run it off, and O’Brien, who also limped out of the decider with a groin issue shortly after scoring a try, will miss the Tests against Australia (Saturday, July 4), Japan (Saturday, July 11), and New Zealand (Saturday, July 18).
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The absence of Doris is a particularly bitter pill for Andy Farrell’s side. The back-rower had been in imperious form and his leadership will be sorely missed as Ireland navigate a challenging Southern Hemisphere itinerary.
In his stead, Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan will take on the mantle of captaincy and lead the squad for the three-match Tour.
Tommy O’Brien will also be smarting at the rough timing of his injury. The 28-year-old is by some distance Ireland’s best attacking weapon after another fine season for province and country.
To fill the void left by the injured pair, Farrell has called upon Ulster’s uncapped duo Bryn Ward and Zac Ward.
The full IRFU statement reads: “The Ireland squad will depart for Sydney on Monday ahead of the Nations Championship Southern Series and there have been two enforced changes to the squad following Leinster’s URC final victory on Friday evening.
“Captain Caelan Doris (foot) and Tommy O’Brien (groin) have been ruled out of the matches against Australia (Saturday, 4 July), Japan (Saturday, 11 July) and New Zealand (Saturday, 18 July).
“They have been replaced by Ulster’s uncapped duo Bryn Ward and Zac Ward.
“Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan will lead the three-match Tour.”
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