“I felt well supported” – Caelan Doris reveals mood in camp as Ireland
Rugby NewsFriday, 13 February 2026 at 13:30
By Liam Reynolds at the Aviva Stadium
Ireland captain Caelan Doris met with the media on Friday to preview Ireland’s upcoming clash with Italy, which kicks off tomorrow at 14:10 at the Aviva Stadium. During this press conference, the Ireland captain reflected on his role as a leader after last week's defeat in Paris.
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Following last week's defeat to France, Doris was left to rue over a dissapointing first half display at the Stade de France. During a press conference alongside Farrell after the game, the Ireland captain complained about Ireland's passiveness in defense, as well as a lack of bite.
Ahead of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell confirmed half a dozen changes to the team that started against France. With Leinster's Jack Conan coming in, the Ireland captain was shifted to openside flanker alongside Cormac Izuchukwu.
Caelen Doris Breaks Down the Position Change Made By Andy Farrell - Swaps from Number Eight to Openside Flanker
Caelen Doris: "No, I've played there a few times at this stage. Obviously, Australia was most recently in November. When I get asked this question, I say I like playing as a 7, defensively, when I'm at 8 anyway. It doesn't actually change too much. There's obviously some difference, with lineout roles, and at scrum-time."
"It's a little bit more contested there, a little bit more emphasis on the breakdown. Obviously we're coming up against the Italians who would come after everything at the breakdown. Zuliani, who is opposite me will contest a lot."
Following their game against Scotland, Italy currently leads the Six Nations for Dominant contact and dominant tackles. Doris is also currently tied with center Tomasso Menocello for total turnovers won behind Jamie Ritchie, Ben Curry, and Rory Darge. Menocello also leads Italy in the 2026 Six Nations in post-contact metres, behind England's Ben Earl.
"I'm Excited To See Him Get His Hands On The Ball." Caelen Doris Expresses Excitement for Edwin Edogbo's Debut
Ahead of tomorrow’s clash with the Italians, the Ireland head coach made a number of changes. Included in those half-dozen alterations is the return of the 43-capped James Lowe, the Ulster pair of Cormac Izuchukwu and Rob Baloucoune, and the hotly anticipated debut of Munster talent Edwin Edogbo.
Caelen Doris: “Yeah, it's an exciting team we've got tomorrow. There's obviously a few changes, so getting cohesion through the week has been important. And yeah, the message to those guys is to trust themselves. Creating a feeling through how we show up with actions and it can be infectious that but also to the new guys it's making sure they own it and make it feel like it's properly theirs."
With Izuchuku and Baloucoune coming into the team, one of the most talked-about players going into tomorrow's game has been Munster's Edogbo. Following a long absence period due to injuries, the Lock is set to make his Ireland debut against Italy. During yesterday's press conference, the Ireland head coach expressed his excitement for Edogbo's debut, with Doris also having comments for the prospect.
Caelen Doris: "Yeah, he's been in class form. When I got asked at the launch about him being included in the squad, I said I'd faced him obviously in a few interpros, and he's unbelievably physical, but he's got a very good understanding of the game as well. So yeah, I'm excited to see him getting his hands on the ball tomorrow.
"We saw some of his clips yesterday, his family was in, and there was a highlight reel for him, and some of his involvements in Munster have been unbelievable, especially around the breakdown, actually. He's very capable of turnovers."
"I've Sat Down With Faz." Ireland Captain Reflects On Leadership Role Following France Defeat
Following the disappointment of the performance against France, Farrell spoke yesterday about Ireland's soul-searching for answers, with an opportunity to get back on the horse. During today's press conference, the Ireland captain reflected on his role as a leader.
Caelen Doris: "The mood in the group is obviously very important, getting a feel for that. Not being too easy on each other and properly learning the lessons but also getting the excitement and turning the page, so that balance between diving deep, holding each other accountable, learning the lessons."
"I've sat down with Faz. I've had a few casual chats with the other coaches and players around me, and the leadership group has sat down together a few times with Gary Keegan. I feel well supported internally. I've got a good support network outside as well, but no books or anything this week.
"There Wasn't Enough Intent." Caelen Doris Explains Shortcomings Against France, Looking Ahead to Italy Clash
During Ireland's heavy loss to France last week, at the Stade de France, the home side dominated the aerial scraps. The French won eight of 11 aerial contests, leading to them taking a 22-point lead early on. Following that, the Ireland captain addressed the issues his side faced in dealing with the French.
Caelen Doris: "Off the back of last Thursday, high ball, the aerial contest – not only in the air but on the ground as well. I want to take some responsibility as a forward pack in terms of making it easier for the guys in the air around winning the races back, around being hungry to win the scraps on the ground. Out of a number of aerial contests, we didn't win enough of them over the weekend."
"Some of our defensive stuff, there wasn't enough intent across the board, really, attack as well, so bringing intent to what we do is the key. We're hoping to see that tomorrow, that's been a big focus point through the week."
Following his comments today, as well as Andy Farrell's yesterday, it is clear that Ireland has identified the issues that plagued them against France. However, they will face a stern test against an Italian side coming off a victory against Scotland, a threat both Farrell and Doris are aware of.
Caelen Doris: "They started very well. It's no longer a case of them just being a very passionate team. They've got a proper good attack now, defensively they've always been pretty strong and are willing to get off the line and hit properly, and you saw that last week in the wet conditions."
"Their scrum has improved quite a lot, they've got a big pack, and they put it up to South Africa in November, but I think probably their biggest weapon is their attack with the back three they have, with some of the forwards, their ability to play at the line, but also pull it back, play wide and deep."
Ireland will take on this strong Italian side in front of a sold-out Aviva Stadium tomorrow, kicking off at 2:10 PM.
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