Sheehan Named Ireland Captain For Summer Tour After Doris Injury
Ireland have named Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan as captain for their summer tour after Caelan Doris and Tommy O’Brien were ruled out through injury.
Sheehan has been handed the armband by Andy Farrell for the Nations Championship Southern Hemisphere Series, with Ireland set to face Australia in Sydney on 4 July, Japan in Newcastle on 11 July, and New Zealand in Auckland on 18 July.
The injury setbacks to two of Ireland’s key players come as a significant blow for Farrell. Doris has been ruled out with a foot injury sustained during the URC final against the Vodacom Bulls, while O’Brien is unavailable due to a groin injury.
Other players out injured are Ryan Baird, Shayne Bolton, Jack Boyle, Jack Crowley, Edwin Edogbo, Tom Farrell, Mack Hansen, Paddy McCarthy, Jude Postlethwaite, Calvin Nash, and Andrew Porter.
Sheehan’s promotion will be welcomed by Irish supporters. As one of Farrell’s most trusted forwards, the captaincy places him at the heart of a demanding three-Test schedule that will thoroughly test Ireland’s depth and resilience.
The Leinster hooker first captained Ireland during the 2025 Six Nations and was also honoured with the captaincy of the British & Irish Lions during their tour of Australia last summer.
Doris and O’Brien will be replaced by uncapped Ulster brothers Zac Ward and Bryn Ward, aged 27 and 21 respectively. The pair have earned call-ups following impressive performances this season and will now have the opportunity to make their international debuts on the tour.
