Caelan Doris standing on shoulders of past giants ahead of Italy tie

“Delight was the initial feeling but also nerves and excitement and finding my feet in the new role for the week."

CAPTAIN'S RUN: Ireland's Caelan Doris during a press conference at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Picture date: Friday October 13, 2023.

Caelan Doris will captain Ireland at senior level for the first time when they face Italy in Dublin on Sunday, but the 25-year old has had no shortage of inspiration and examples to follow as he gets to grips with the task.

The Leinster back row was told he would be wearing the armband on Tuesday when head coach Andy Farrell confirmed to him that the recently-appointed Peter O’Mahony would not be available for this second Six Nations game of 2024.