Caelan Doris undergoes surgery, Lions captaincy in doubt
Andy Farrell will have to deal with another injury absence
©PA
Caelan Doris, one of the frontrunners to lead the British & Irish Lions on their 2025 tour to Australia, is now facing serious uncertainty after it was confirmed he will undergo shoulder surgery this week.
The injury was sustained during Leinster’s narrow 37–34 semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints in the Investec Champions Cup, where Doris was forced off in the 56th minute.
Leinster has confirmed the surgery but noted that the full impact of the injury—and Doris's potential availability for the summer—will only be clear once the procedure is complete.
The timing is critical, with the Lions squad set to be named on Thursday, 8 May at the O2 Arena in London.
Doris, aged 27, has emerged as a central figure for both club and country. Having assumed the Ireland captaincy from Peter O’Mahony, he has impressed with his leadership and consistency, making him a logical candidate for Lions captaincy under Andy Farrell.
With Doris’s participation now in doubt, selectors may be forced to look at alternative options for the No.8 jersey. Likely contenders include Ireland’s Jack Conan, Wales veteran Taulupe Faletau, England’s dynamic Ben Earl, Scotland’s Jack Dempsey, and rising English talent Henry Pollock.
The Lions' first fixture is scheduled for 20 June against Argentina in Dublin, followed by the opening Test against Australia on 19 July in Brisbane. Doris’s recovery timeline remains unclear, and his availability will depend heavily on how well he responds to post-surgical rehabilitation.
