Official: Leinster confirm Caelan Doris faces extended spell on sidelines

Monday, 12 May 2025 at 14:27

byRugby Rucker

Leinster have delivered a major injury update on back-row powerhouse Caelan Doris, confirming the Ireland international will be sidelined for four to six months following surgery.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

The 27-year-old sustained a shoulder injury during Leinster’s Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints and went under the knife last Friday. The province revealed the news on Monday, meaning Doris will miss the start of the 2025/26 season.

No late Lions lifeline

Doris' absence from Andy Farrell’s 38-man British & Irish Lions squad last week had already raised eyebrows, with whispers of an injury brewing. Now, any hopes of a late call-up to Australia have been dashed.

If the rehab timeline hits the longer end, we won’t see the powerful No.8 back in blue until mid-November – a brutal blow for both club and country.

Leinster statement

In a brief injury bulletin, the province said:

“Caelan Doris: had a procedure on Friday last week for a shoulder injury which will keep him out of action for between four to six months.”

The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia

1. Nicky Smith (Wales)

An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.

2. Jamie George (England)

The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.

3. Kyle Sinckler (England)

Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.

4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)

A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.

[elementor-template id="208937"]

5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)

One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.

6. Courtney Lawes (England)

A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.

7. Jack Willis (England)

A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.

8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.

9. Ben White (Scotland)

Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.

10. Owen Farrell (England)

The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.

11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)

A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.

12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)

Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.

13. Henry Slade (England)

One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.

14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)

The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.

15. George Furbank (England)

A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force

Brian Moore makes his feelings clear on Owen Farrell Lions call-up

'Lions stars shine' - Team of the Week: Premiership Round 16

Write a comment

TRENDING