Overview
- During Leinster’s United Rugby Championship final on Friday at Croke Park, Caelan Doris injured his foot early and Tommy O’Brien picked up a groin problem, and the IRFU confirmed both are ruled out of the July Tests.
- The IRFU named hooker Dan Sheehan as Ireland captain for the three-Test Nations Championship Southern Series and added uncapped Ulster brothers Bryn Ward and Zac Ward to the 36-man squad as direct replacements.
- Bryn (21) and Zac (27) Ward are both uncapped and are sons of former Ireland flanker Andy Ward, bringing a youth injection after strong performances for Ulster this season.
- The pair’s absence compounds earlier losses to the touring squad, including fly-half Jack Crowley and loosehead prop Andrew Porter, tightening selection options for head coach Andy Farrell.
- Ireland depart for Sydney on Monday with Tests against Australia (July 4), Japan (July 11) and New Zealand (July 18), and selectors must now finalise a less experienced back-line and new leadership structure while monitoring recovery updates.