Caelan Doris: Irish back rower named new Leinster skipper

Ireland back rower Caelan Doris says it is a “massive privilege” to be named Leinster captain for the coming season.

The 26-year-old, who has won 43 caps for his country, also captained Ireland in South Africa last summer when Peter O’Mahony was not in the starting XV.

“It’s a massive privilege for me to be leading this group,” he said.

“I’m fortunate to have so many quality players and staff around me whose advice and input will be crucial. It was special to get the opportunity to captain Leinster several times last season and I’m excited to do the same again this year.”

Doris succeeds Garry Ringrose and James Ryan in the role after the pair acted as co-captains for the province last season.

“Caelan has come off an exceptional 12 months, beginning at last year’s Rugby World Cup and culminating with him captaining Ireland to victory over world champions South Africa in Durban this summer,” said the side’s head coach Leo Cullen.

“Caelan will be well supported by James Ryan and Garry Ringrose, who both did an excellent job for us as co-captains last season. There is also a wealth of top-level experience in the wider group that will help and support Caelan in the months ahead.”

Leinster’s URC season begins on Friday, 20 September away to Edinburgh.