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2h ago

Doris and O'Brien Ruled Out of Ireland's July Tour

Their injuries hand the captaincy to Dan Sheehan, create debut chances for uncapped Ulster brothers Bryn and Zac Ward, leaving Ireland short for three Tests in Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Ireland v Italy - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - February 14, 2026 Ireland's Caelan Doris with President of Ireland Catherine Connolly and President of the Irish Rugby Football Union John O'Driscoll REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
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Ulster's flanker Bryn Ward (C) will be joined by his brother Zac in the Ireland squad for the first part of the Nations Championship
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Overview

  • Both players were confirmed out after injuries sustained in Friday's United Rugby Championship final, with Caelan Doris leaving in the seventh minute with a foot problem and Tommy O'Brien exiting before half-time with a groin issue.
  • Ireland announced that Doris and O'Brien will miss the Nations Championship trip and that hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the side for the tour.
  • Uncapped Ulster brothers Bryn Ward (21) and Zac Ward (27) have been added to Andy Farrell's 36-man panel and could make their international debuts in the Tests on 4 July in Sydney, 11 July in Newcastle and the match at Eden Park the following week.
  • The double loss compounds other absences, including fly-half Jack Crowley and prop Andrew Porter, forcing selection changes across the pack and backline as Farrell balances experience and cover.
  • With the squad due to depart for Sydney on Monday, Ireland face a shortened preparation window that raises the importance of squad depth and may accelerate playing time for the Ward brothers.