Lions Captaincy In Limbo As Leicester’s Doris Faces Shoulder Surgery

Leinster Rugby captain Caelan Doris is set to undergo a shoulder procedure this week after being injured in their recent Champions Cup semifinal defeat to Northampton Saints.

The extent of the injury will be assessed post-surgery, casting doubts on Doris’s potential selection as captain for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer alongside England’s Maro Itoje.

Lions coach Andy Farrell is scheduled to announce his captain and squad this Thursday, just before Doris’s operation.

This injury update presents a significant challenge for Farrell, as Doris was widely expected to be a key player for the Lions.

While Doris’s fate hangs in the balance, Farrell may consider other options, including Wales’ Taulupe Faletau for a fourth Lions tour or the in-form young Northampton Saints player Henry Pollock.

Scotland’s Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey, along with England’s Ben Earl and Tom Willis, are also among the candidates for the role.

The Lions’ tour begins with a warm-up match against Argentina on June 20th, followed by matches in Australia in July.

Depending on the severity of Doris’ injury, there’s a slim chance he could join the tour later, which is positive news for Leinster.

James Ryan and Rob Russell have returned to full training ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Zebre this Saturday.

After a series of strong performances as captain of the Ireland U20s, Dorsi was promoted to Leinster’s senior squad in the 2018/2019 season.

He captained the Ireland team for the first time in February 2024 at the Six Nations Championship against Italy and was later named squad captain in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.

His potential loss will be laid bare after the injury procedure results. Farrel will have to announce his captain and squad this week.