Doris mentally stronger after six-month injury layoff

Ireland captain Caelan Doris says he feels “mentally stronger” after returning from a six-month injury break that kept him out of action, including the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

The 27-year-old No. 8 will make his first start since recovering from a shoulder injury when Ireland face Japan at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Doris said he used the long break as a chance to reset both physically and mentally. “I feel good, definitely fresh after quite a long summer,” he said.

“I took my mind off rugby for a while and it helped me mentally.”

The Ireland skipper, who holds a degree in psychology, spent time in the United States focusing on self-reflection and balance.

He described it as a chance to “separate who I am from what I do” and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness.

Having returned from the bench in the loss to New Zealand last week, Doris is now focused on building consistency ahead of bigger challenges against Australia and South Africa later this month.

"There have been some positives over the last year or two, we've had some big wins and some big performances but probably been inconsistent," he said.

"There's no lack of belief or doubt in our potential and in what we can do.

"It's just about gettting out and delivering on it."