Ireland captain Caelan Doris will miss July's Nations Championship matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand after suffering a foot injury in Leinster's United Rugby Championship final victory over the Bulls at Croke Park. The back row was forced off in the seventh minute but returned to celebrate with teammates as Leinster lifted the trophy.

Hooker Dan Sheehan takes over captaincy duties for the three summer fixtures, with Ireland opening against Australia on 4 July in Sydney before matches against Japan and New Zealand. The injury compounds Andy Farrell's selection problems, as fly-half Jack Crowley and prop Andrew Porter are already unavailable.

Leinster wing Tommy O'Brien joins Doris on the sidelines with a groin injury, despite scoring the opening try in the Champions Cup final against Bordeaux. Ulster brothers Bryn and Zac Ward earn call-ups as replacements, rewarded for their performances as Ulster secured 10 places in the squad following an improved campaign.

Losing both Doris and O'Brien significantly weakens Ireland's options ahead of the southern hemisphere tour. The Ward brothers bring fresh talent but lack Doris's leadership experience and O'Brien's proven try-scoring record at the highest level.