Caelan Doris’ hopes of leading Ireland into their Nations Championship campaign this November have been thrown into further doubt.
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Leinster head coach Leo Cullen admitted he does not know if the captain will return to action for his country.
Doris has been ruled out of the opening part of Leinster’s season as he continues his recovery from surgery, with Cullen unable to put a definitive timeframe on the number eight’s return.
Ireland are due to face Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in November, with Doris’ availability likely to be closely monitored by head coach Simon Easterby ahead of the three-Test campaign.
The 27-year-old missed Ireland’s summer tour to Australia and New Zealand after suffering a foot injury during Leinster’s URC final victory over the Bulls.
He also underwent a procedure on his knee during his time away from the Ireland squad, but his recovery has subsequently taken longer than initially anticipated.
Cullen admitted that Doris will not feature during Leinster’s first block of fixtures, while leaving open the possibility that his return could stretch beyond November.
“He won’t be playing for us in this period, so in and around November or beyond. I don’t know. I’m not trying to be smart here. I’m not 100 per cent sure yet,” Cullen said, as reported in the Irish Times.
Asked specifically whether Doris would be fit enough to play for Ireland during the November Nations Championship Northern Series, Cullen was again unable to provide an answer.
“I can’t answer that question [if Doris will be fit to play for Ireland] I genuinely don’t know,” Cullen said.
The Leinster boss explained that Doris’ recovery had not followed the original timeline expected by the province.
“He had surgery and originally I thought he would play for us in this first block of the season, but I think that’s just been pushed out of the loop itself. Exactly how far, I’m not sure.”
The uncertainty comes after Doris was once again named Leinster captain following an internal process involving the province’s players and management.
Cullen made clear that the Ireland captain retains the backing of his Leinster teammates and coaching staff despite his absence from the opening fixtures.
“Caelan is unbelievably well respected in the group for the work that he does on the field, but off the field as well,” the Leinster head coach said.
Doris’ absence was evident as Leinster began their URC title defence against the Lions, with Max Deegan captaining a side that also featured three academy players.
Leinster began their URC title defence with a 27-26 defeat to the Lions, despite Fintan Gunne’s first-half hat-trick. The visitors led 19-17 at half-time but conceded after the break before Kelly Mpeku’s late try. Stephen Smyth’s converted score secured a losing bonus point for Leo Cullen’s side.
