Doris takes over Leinster captaincy from Ringrose and Ryan 

26-year-old Caelan Doris takes over the role from Garry Ringrose and James Ryan, who co-captained the side following Johnny Sexton's retirement at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. 

STEPPING UP: Leinster's Caelan Doris. Pic: Billy Stickland/Inpho

Leinster back-row Caelan Doris has been announced as the province's new captain ahead of the 2025/26 season. 

26-year-old Doris takes over the role from Garry Ringrose and James Ryan, who co-captained the side following Johnny Sexton's retirement at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. 

Doris' appointment as captain sees Ringrose and Ryan pivot to vice-captaincy roles for the season ahead.

Since making his breakthrough in 2018, Doris has made 83 appearances for Leinster and has been capped on 43 occasions by Ireland.

"It’s a massive privilege for me to be leading this group," he said. "I’m fortunate to have so many quality players and staff around me whose advice and input will be crucial. 

"It was special to get the opportunity to captain Leinster several times last season and I’m excited to do the same again this year.

"There’s no shortage of ambition within this group and we’re all looking forward to the new season and representing the supporters, our communities, and the 12 counties of Leinster in the Aviva Stadium, Croke Park and beyond."

Leinster boss Leo Cullen added: "We’re delighted to announce Caelan Doris as Leinster captain for the forthcoming season.

"Caelan has come off an exceptional 12 months, beginning at last year’s Rugby World Cup and culminating with him captaining Ireland to victory over world champions South Africa in Durban this summer.

"Over the course of last season, our supporters will have seen not only how Caelan performed himself, but how he grew into the captaincy role when given that opportunity both with Leinster and Ireland. 

"He is an outstanding leader and a natural choice to lead Leinster into what we hope will be an exciting season."

Cullen added: "Caelan will be well supported by James Ryan and Garry Ringrose, who both did an excellent job for us as co-captains last season. There is also a wealth of top-level experience in the wider group that will help and support Caelan in the months ahead."

Doris first captained the province last season, and just over a month later he captained Ireland for the first time against Italy in the Six Nations.

The Mayo native's honour roll includes three PRO14 titles with Leinster and two Six Nations titles with Ireland, including the Grand Slam in 2023. 

In 2023, he was voted the Rugby Players Ireland Players’ Player of the Year, as well as the Leinster Players’ Player of the Year.