Caelan Doris will experience a landmark moment in his career tomorrow, with the 25-year old set to captain Ireland for the first time during their Six Nations clash against Italy.
The Leinster man was thought to be in the running for the role on a full-time basis, although Andy Farrell would ultimately opt for the more experienced player in Peter O'Mahony. However, this latest move would suggest that Doris is in line to succeed the Munster man as captain over the coming years.
It is not difficult to see why he is being groomed for the position.
Doris is one of the best players in world rugby at the moment and is only likely to improve over the next few seasons. He also acts as a leader for Ireland whenever he is on the pitch, both in terms of his actions and the way he interacts with teammates.
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Caelan Doris discusses Johnny Sexton Six Nations role
While Caelan Doris may have plenty of natural leadership qualities, he has still sought out help from some more experienced pros ahead of the Italy game.
Speaking ahead of that Six Nations fixture, he revealed that he had even been on the phone to Johnny Sexton in order to get some advice on leading the team out at the Aviva Stadium.
Caelan Doris rang Johnny Sexton this week after he found out on Tuesday that he will captain Ireland for the first time tomorrow.
Peter O’Mahoney has been helping him out too, amongst others. pic.twitter.com/gjrrnInIXb— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) February 10, 2024
I was on the phone to Sexto, to Johnny, there during the week.
We're lucky in the squad that we've got so many leaders back in the provinces and when we come into camp too.
There is a few key figures for us who aren't involved this week, but we have been leaning on them big time. The likes of James Ryan and Iain Henderson, there is plenty of leaders within the team as well for this weekend.
I've definitely leaned on them and they've lessened the load for me quite a bit, which is really good.
Certainly not a bad man to get advice from.
There are no shortage of leaders in the current Ireland squad, something that will be a big help to Caelan Doris both in this game and if he does take over the captaincy at some point in the future.
For now, he will be focused on continuing the team's quest for a second successive Grand Slam in the Six Nations.
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