Another six months will pass before Andy Farrell must decide on his British & Irish Lions captain for the 2025 tour to Australia. This extended period allows for potential shifts in the landscape and the emergence of unexpected contenders. However, upon meeting the remarkably impressive Caelan Doris, one might conclude that Farrell need look no further. This assertion is not far-fetched; a world-class player, universally respected, with a psychology degree and a friendly demeanor, seems an ideal fit. Ireland has a history of producing illustrious Lions captains, from Brian O’Driscoll to Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony, and another exceptional candidate is quietly making his mark.
Whether or not he is named Ireland’s captain for the upcoming November Tests, as widely expected, the 26-year-old Leinster back-rower embodies every coach’s dream. Even on a dreary Tuesday morning, he is already focused on the next challenge, his spirits lifted by last Saturday’s victory over Munster in front of 80,468 spectators at Croke Park. Doris’s blend of footwork, physicality, and footballing intelligence makes him a formidable No 8, but he is far from an ordinary athlete. The son of two psychoanalysts, his background might have led him down a different path, yet his childhood ambitions were clear. Returning to County Mayo this summer, he discovered a book from his early years, revealing his aspirations to be a rugby or football player. This discovery was both amusing and insightful.
To truly understand Doris, one must look to his roots in Lacken, a small hamlet on the Atlantic coast. The area, though affected by Covid, remains dear to him. Doris’s upbringing in such a rural setting, with a primary school of just 30 to 35 pupils, shaped his character. At 12, he seized the opportunity to board at Blackrock College in Dublin, a renowned rugby school. His journey since then has been meteoric, from captaining Ireland Under-20s to making his Leinster debut and earning his first senior Ireland cap in 2020. The transition to playing alongside idols like Johnny Sexton was initially daunting, but Doris has since emerged as a talisman for both Leinster and Ireland.
Doris’s interest in the mental aspects of the game and the potential of captaincy to enhance his growth as a player and person is evident. He engages in weekly therapy and mindfulness practices to maintain balance and calm, along with sea swimming and hot yoga. A Lions role would be a significant milestone, one he has long aspired to. As he prepares for the looming reunion with the All Blacks, Doris remains focused on enjoying the journey, cherishing the camaraderie and opportunities that come with it.
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