Ireland loses Doris and O'Brien to injury before tour

Ireland's preparations for the inaugural Nations Championship have been significantly disrupted after captain Caelan Doris and winger Tommy O'Brien were ruled out of the summer tour with injuries sustained in the United Rugby Championship final. Hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the side in their absence, while uncapped Ulster brothers Zac and Bryn Ward have been called into the squad.

The injuries occurred during Leinster's 36-7 victory over the Bulls at Croke Park on Friday, June 19. Doris, who had overcome a knee issue to start the match, suffered a foot injury and was forced off in the seventh minute. O'Brien, who scored Leinster's opening try, sustained a groin injury just before halftime after landing awkwardly from an aerial contest. Both players attempted to continue but were ultimately replaced.

Their loss is a major setback for head coach Andy Farrell, who is already without several key players, including fly-half Jack Crowley and prop Andrew Porter, due to injury. This marks the second consecutive summer Doris has been sidelined, having missed the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour following shoulder surgery.

In response, Farrell has turned to the Ward brothers to bolster...