Caelan Doris a big doubt for Ireland tests in Australia and New Zealand

DOUBT: A foot injury picked up in Friday's URC final has left captain Caelan Doris' involvement in Ireland's summer tour in doubt. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ireland captain Caelan Doris is a major doubt for the summer tour to Australia and New Zealand.

The No.8 started Leinster’s Friday night’s URC Grand Final win over the Bulls at Croke Park after being a doubt due to a knee injury. He lasted just six minutes of the 36-7 win with a foot injury eventually forcing him off and with Jack Conan taking his place.

Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad is due to fly out to Australia on Monday ahead of their opening game against the Wallabies in Sydney but Doris wasn’t exuding optimism when asked about his chances of making the plane after the Bulls game.

“We'll see. I'm not sure. We'll see how it unfolds over the next 24 hours.” 

The Mayo man had started like a train, making three carries and all of which had made a major dent in the opposition defensive line, but he could now be facing a situation where he has to sit out a big tour Down Under for the second year in a row.

It was a shoulder injury suffered in the Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton Saints last season that cost him his place on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia – and quite possibly the captaincy along with it.

Wing Tommy O’Brien is another doubt for this latest venture down south after he hobbled off against the Bulls just shy of the half-time whistle. That aside it was a memorable night for Leinster who dominated the Bulls in the final for the second year in a row.

“Unbelievably proud. Obviously very disappointed going off,” he said. “I was battling the knee a little bit, that was fine in the end, but my foot got the better of me. It was class watching on.

“Not how I would have hoped the game went for me personally, but I absolutely loved sitting on the side watching the lads front up physically. It was class to watch, similar to last year in some ways.

“Delighted for the group, the lads leaving, but also for the coach himself. The effort that they’ve put in. Leo in particular is Leinster through and through. He wants the best for the group and has desired this more than anyone.

“Not for himself, but for the group and the collective. I’m glad we were able to get it done.”