Ireland suffers double injury blow

NEWS: Ireland has suffered a double injury setback on the eve of their Six Nations campaign.

Up-and-coming Ireland prospect Caelan Doris has been ruled out of the opening match of this year’s Six Nations, the IRFU announcing that the Leinster No.8 and Connacht second row forward Quinn Roux have left the squad ahead of Sunday’s match away to Wales.

Doris was expected to start at the Principality Stadium and his place in Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad has now been taken by uncapped Munster back row Gavin Coombes.

Uncapped Leinster lock Ryan Baird takes the spot left vacant by Roux in the squad of 36 that was recently announced.

An IRFU media statement read: “Caelan Doris and Quinn Roux have returned to their respective provinces for further medical assessment.

“Caelan has flagged some symptoms that could be associated with concussion. He has returned to Leinster to allow his symptoms to be appropriately assessed and investigated. Quinn has a neck complaint that has not settled so he has returned to Connacht.

“Munster back row Gavin Coombes and Leinster lock Ryan Baird will train with the Ireland squad this week. All other squad members are expected to train this week.”

Last year’s Six Nations Test debut for Doris lasted just four minutes when he was concussed in the February game versus Scotland in Dublin.

He soon bounced back, returning three weeks later to feature off the bench versus England. He then went on to start five of Ireland’s last six matches this autumn, his last three outings coming at No8.