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Cullen hails Doris for his impactful leadership with Leinster

Leinster captain Caelan Doris (photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Leinster Head Coach Leo Cullen has hailed the impact Caelan Doris has made on the Leinster team as captain.

The Irish province is six from six in the United Rugby Championship after beating the Lions last weekend. The team will now part ways because of the upcoming November Test games.

Doris, who was selected as Ireland's Autumn Nations Series captain, also wore the Leinster armband for last weekend's win.

Cullen was asked about Doris's impact on the team and admitted that the Mayo native has been making great progress as a leader.

“He has been fantastic. Reflecting on the season as it unfolded last year, particularly that last block when James and Garry were both out, Caelan really stepped to the fore for us off the back of some big performances that he has had for Ireland. Listen, he is making great progress as a leader,” Cullen said last weekend to the 42.ie

Cullen expanded on his thoughts, adding that Doris's curiosity and eagerness to learn have had a positive impact on the group.

“He is very curious, naturally. He works on all aspects of his game and has a very positive influence on the group as well. He has been excellent, I have to say. You can see it in his performances; he is enjoying it. He is bringing everybody with him as well, which is good to see."

🕑 | 59'

Caelan Doris powers over from close range to extend our lead. 🔵

Sam Prendergast also makes it 3/3 from the tee. 💯#LEIvLIO #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/LpsWEuyCvU

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) October 26, 2024

The former Leinster captain also believes that the Ireland star also has more room to learn when it comes to being a skipper for club and country.

“He’s still very young as well, so there’s plenty of room for growth there."

Leinster's next game will be against Ulster on November 29, after the November Tests.

Before that, Ireland takes on New Zealand on Friday, November 8.Ireland will then face high-flying Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, November 15, followed by Fiji on Saturday, November 23. They will conclude with a match against Australia for Irish rugby’s 150th anniversary test on Saturday, November 30.

All of these matches will be live on Virgin Media in the Republic of Ireland and TNT Sports in the United Kingdom.

IRELAND SQUAD

Forwards (19): Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Caelan Doris (captain), Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Dave Heffernan, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Cormac Izuchukwu, Rónan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier

Backs (16): Bundee Aki, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale

Training Panellists: Thomas Clarkson, Alex Kendellen, Shayne Bolton, Jack Boyle, and Gus McCarthy