#caelandoris

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his squad for the upcoming autumn internationals, and while captain Caelan Doris has been included, key player Joe McCarthy misses out due to injury. Sports Channel takes a detailed look at the squad, injury updates, and the storylines heading into one of the busiest periods on the rugby calendar.

Captain Doris Set for Return

Leinster captain Caelan Doris makes the squad despite not having played since shoulder surgery in early May. Doris has recently returned to training with Leinster, but it remains uncertain whether he will be fit to face New Zealand in the blockbuster clash at Soldier Field in Chicago on 1 November.

Doris’ leadership will be vital for Ireland as they take on the All Blacks in a rematch of their 2016 meeting. His presence also provides reassurance in the second row, where Jack Conan is poised to deputise should Doris’ recovery take longer than expected.

Injury Woes Leave Gaps

Joe McCarthy misses out after failing to recover from the foot injury he sustained during the first British and Irish Lions Test against Australia in July. Ulster lock Cormac Izuchukwu and Munster wing Calvin Nash are also unavailable due to injury, while full-back Hugo Keenan remains sidelined following hip surgery post-Lions tour.

Farrell’s squad will, however, include uncapped Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy. The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has also named uncapped Munster duo Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson, along with once-capped Connacht wing Shayne Bolton, to travel to Chicago as “cover” in case of last-minute injuries or fitness issues.

Experienced Backs and Exciting Fly-Half Battle

The squad retains much of its familiar look, with a wealth of experience in the backline. Leinster’s Sam Prendergast and Munster’s Jack Crowley remain in contention for the starting fly-half spot, which is set to be tested in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash at Croke Park. Farrell has also included Ciaran Frawley as the third fly-half, while opting against calling up Leinster’s Harry Byrne.

At scrum-half, Ireland will rely on British and Irish Lion Jamison Gibson-Park and Craig Casey, who captained Ireland to summer Test wins over Georgia and Portugal. Connacht’s Caolin Blade also returns, preferred to club-mate Ben Murphy.

The midfield options are impressive with Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, and Stuart McCloskey all selected. Jamie Osborne provides flexibility, capable of filling in at centre or at full-back in the absence of Hugo Keenan.

Wings Ready to Impress

James Lowe, Mack Hansen, Tommy O’Brien, and Jacob Stockdale form a dynamic set of options on the wings. O’Brien made a strong impression over the summer with two tries in each of the wins over Georgia and Portugal, showcasing Ireland’s growing depth in wide positions.

Pack Strength and Leadership

In the forwards, Joe McCarthy is the only new name in the main squad. The loose-head prop has featured in Leinster’s United Rugby Championship games this season and previously represented Ireland A in their defeat to England earlier this year.

Munster lock Thomas Ahern retains his spot after earning his first two caps during the summer, while experienced Ulster second-row Iain Henderson returns after missing the summer tour. Jack Conan is on standby in the second row to cover for Doris if needed.

The remainder of the pack includes seasoned internationals such as Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Ronan Kelleher, Dan Sheehan, and Josh van der Flier, offering a combination of experience, skill, and physicality crucial for Ireland’s autumn campaign.

Challenging Fixtures Ahead

Ireland’s autumn programme kicks off with the All Blacks at Soldier Field in Chicago, followed by home fixtures against Japan, Australia, and world champions South Africa in Dublin. These matches provide an opportunity for both experienced players and newcomers from the summer tour to showcase their abilities on the global stage.

Farrell remarked, “There’s an exciting look to the panel and there’s an opportunity for the more experienced players and for those who made their debuts on the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal.” His squad selection reflects a balance between proven performers and emerging talent, ensuring Ireland remains competitive across a demanding autumn schedule.

Key Storylines to Watch

The fly-half selection will attract significant attention, with Prendergast and Crowley competing for the starting spot. Their battle will provide early indications of Ireland’s attacking strategies, while the return of Caelan Doris adds leadership and stability to the second row.

Injuries continue to shape squad dynamics. While McCarthy and Keenan are unavailable, Farrell’s inclusion of cover players like Paddy McCarthy, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, and Shayne Bolton highlights the IRFU’s forward planning and squad depth.

The backline’s mix of experience and youth, combined with a powerful and versatile pack, positions Ireland to challenge some of the world’s strongest teams. Sports Channel notes that this autumn series could be a defining period for Farrell’s squad, giving both leaders and newcomers the chance to cement their roles.

Ireland will assemble in Dublin on Monday before flying to Chicago on Tuesday, marking the start of an autumn campaign that promises high drama, intense competition, and a chance to measure themselves against the world’s best.

My first thought when that All Blacks bomb fell from the sky on top of Caelan Doris, late on, and he dropped it, was of course to be reminded of the helpless anguish of all those looking up into a flaming middle-eastern sky as those Israeli bombs fell on Gaza. If only — shamefully, I actually roared at young Doris, for committing such a heinous act in Ireland’s greatest last 10 minutes of need,…