"Worse than first thought" - Heartbreaking injury update for Ireland captain Caelan Doris

Saturday, 10 May 2025 at 09:52

byRugby Rucker

Caelan Doris' hopes of featuring in this summer’s British & Irish Lions Tour have been shattered, with the Ireland and Leinster star now set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

The powerful back-rower, who had been widely tipped as a potential Lions captain, suffered a serious shoulder injury during Leinster’s shock Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints at the Aviva Stadium last weekend.

No Fairytale Call-Up for Doris

Despite months of speculation linking Doris with a leading role under Andy Farrell, the Mayo native’s name was missing from Thursday’s official Lions squad announcement. Now, the reason has become heartbreakingly clear.

Surgery Confirmed – Lengthy Lay-Off Ahead

Earlier this week, senior coach Jacques Nienaber hinted at a layoff of “four to six months” depending on the extent of the damage. That timeline now looks increasingly realistic, following confirmation from head coach Leo Cullen.

“He is going for surgery as we speak and depending on how that is, it’s a four to six months’ time frame from what I understand.
It’s dangerous throwing out timelines as we know, but that’s what reports are.
Hopefully it's not as bad as that, but that is what is being talked about certainly in terms of timelines,” Cullen remarked ahead of this evening’s URC clash with Zebre at the Aviva Stadium.

Played Through Pain – One Last Stand

Remarkably, Doris battled through the pain barrier in the closing stages against Northampton — putting in one of the most gutsy performances of the season.

“It’s been a tough week with the fall-out after the game. You could see Caelan when he did it at the time, he’s down the sideline and he’s trying to get an offload away.
Even after that, he scores a try, rips the ball out of a guy’s arms and puts in a 50-22.”

“He’s gutted about the team. That was hurting him more at the start of the week. He’s been outstanding here.
We wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully he will get another chance to go on a trip like that [the Lions] again.
Unfortunately it’s not going to be for him this time.”

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.

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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 a late inclusion.