Doris and Roux out of Ireland's Six Nations opener with Wales, two uncapped players called up

Up-and-coming Ireland prospect Caelan Doris has been ruled out of the opening match of this year’s Guinness Six Nations, the IRFU announcing that the Leinster No8 and Connacht second row 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.

Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton set the scene for Ireland’s Six Nations campaign

Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton set the scene for Ireland’s Six Nations campaign

“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.”

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New Ireland assistant coach Paul O’Connell later added: “They are two injuries you don’t ever want to be messing around with, you have to be careful. I’m not sure we know the length of time on either of them. It’s frustrating for them and frustrating for us.

“Caelan is obviously a fantastic player. I worked with him in the U20s and he was incredible. He has that X-factor and we need those players in world rugby.”

"My fear is that if it goes too far from what is a touring side with 30,000 fans to games at home with no fans, will it keep its special place in rugby’s hearts?"

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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.

On his way over from New Zealand ???#LionsRugby #GuinnessSixNationshttps://t.co/WtL6EX0wUt

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 2, 2021