Overview
- In Leinster’s United Rugby Championship final on Friday, Caelan Doris left after seven minutes with a foot injury and Tommy O’Brien exited before halftime with a groin problem.
- The Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed on Saturday that both players will miss the three-match Nations Championship Southern Series and have been withdrawn from the 36‑man party.
- Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan has been named captain for the tour to Australia, Japan and New Zealand to replace Doris in the leadership role.
- Uncapped Ulster brothers Bryn Ward (21) and Zac Ward (27) have been called into the squad as direct replacements, increasing the number of inexperienced players in the touring party.
- The squad flies to Sydney on Monday for Tests on July 4 (Australia), July 11 (Japan in Newcastle) and July 18 (New Zealand in Auckland), leaving little time to integrate late call‑ups and manage an already injury‑hit selection.