Ireland lose two key stars ahead of Nations Championship
by KickOff Rugby · KickOffIreland have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their Nations Championship southern tour after captain Caelan Doris and winger Tommy O'Brien were ruled out due to injuries sustained in Leinster’s United Rugby Championship final victory over the Bulls.
Both players picked up injuries during Friday’s 36-7 win at Croke Park. Doris suffered a foot injury early in the match, while O’Brien sustained a groin issue after landing awkwardly in an aerial contest.
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The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed that the pair will miss Ireland’s opening three fixtures against Australia (4 July), Japan (11 July), and New Zealand (18 July). Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the side in Doris’ absence.
Doris, who had already missed the British & Irish Lions tour due to shoulder surgery, had overcome a recent knee concern to start the final. O’Brien had only recently returned to fitness.
The withdrawals add to Ireland’s growing injury list and will test coach Andy Farrell’s squad depth as they head to Australia for the opening matches of the new Nations Championship competition.
This is a major loss for Ireland, especially with Doris’ leadership and O’Brien’s attacking threat now unavailable for the crucial southern hemisphere series.
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