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3w ago

Caelan Doris's Lions Tour Role in Doubt After Shoulder Surgery Scheduled

Andy Farrell faces tough decisions on captaincy and squad selection as injuries to key players disrupt Lions plans ahead of May 8 announcement.

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Doris was replaced during the second half of Leinster’s Champions Cup defeat by Northampton
Maro Itoje is Hugh Godwin's choice to captain the squad (Photo: Getty)
Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Italy v Ireland - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - March 15, 2025 Ireland's Caelan Doris in action with Italy's Monty Ioane and Danilo Fischetti REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane/File Photo

Overview

  • Caelan Doris, a frontrunner for Lions captaincy, requires shoulder surgery after an injury sustained in Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton.
  • The timeline for Doris's recovery remains uncertain, casting doubt on his availability for the Lions tour and opening up competition for the No. 8 position.
  • Owen Farrell's Lions prospects are also in jeopardy after suffering a concussion during Racing 92's Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Lyon on May 4.
  • Maro Itoje is now widely viewed as the leading candidate for Lions captaincy, with Doris's injury further solidifying his position as a favorite.
  • Andy Farrell will announce the 37-38 player Lions squad and captain on May 8, with fly-half selection and French-based player eligibility among other key decisions.