Caelan Doris Named Ireland Captain for Autumn Tests

Caelan Doris expressed that being named captain for Ireland’s autumn internationals is an “enormous honour.” The 26-year-old back row from Leinster will lead the team in matches against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia next month in Dublin. Peter O’Mahony, who took over the captaincy after Johnny Sexton’s retirement remains in the squad but will continue his rehabilitation with Munster as he prepares to return to action.

Caelan Doris previously captained Ireland during their Six Nations victory against Italy and their historic summer tour win over South Africa in Durban. He acknowledged the support from his family, friends and teammates throughout his journey, stating, “I am extremely proud to lead this squad and know there’s an experienced group of leaders who will work hard for success.”

With first-choice hooker Dan Sheehan sidelined until the new year, head coach Andy Farrell included Connacht’s Dave Heffernan in the squad. Despite recent injuries, Farrell selected hookers Ronan Kelleher and Rob Herring while Leinster’s uncapped Gus McCarthy joins as one of five training panelists. Farrell also included uncapped Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu and Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast, who participated in the Emerging Ireland series.

Ciaran Frawley returns after an ankle injury and is ready to challenge Munster’s Jack Crowley for the starting fly-half position. Mack Hansen, who missed the Six Nations and South Africa tests rejoins the squad as one of four wingers alongside James Lowe, Jacob Stockdale and Calvin Nash. Jamison Gibson-Park also returns after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Ireland will face New Zealand on November 8 in a rematch of their World Cup quarter-final. The squad will gather in Dublin before heading to Portugal for a warm-weather training camp.