Caelan Doris's injury troubles have been well documented – but having returned fighting fit he is facing another significant hurdle in the shape of Leinster and Ireland teammate Jack Conan.
Andy Farrell’s first statement of intent after taking over from Joe Schmidt was starting Doris, then 21, at No.8.
But the Mayo man’s Ireland debut against Scotland lasted just four minutes before he had to be subbed following an accidental clash of heads.
A fortnight earlier he had been similarly smashed in the head playing for Leinster in Treviso.
And when he tried to come back following both knocks there was another smash in a training match for Ireland against Ulster.
Doris, 23, said: “I had two quite bad knocks, one against Treviso in my first European start and then one against Scotland in my international debut as well.
“Then I got another couple of minor knocks, one just before the Six Nations which was when we were already in camp, it was a training game against Ulster
“That was sort of the key one in making the decision to step back and get fully checked out. I had been a little bit worried about some symptoms at that stage.
“The medical staff were very accommodating in getting me seen by the best people. So, I got the battery of tests – everything from cognitive to balance to brain scans, bloods everything.
“I am glad I did it, definitely a tough decision at the time, but grateful I did and grateful I am able to play again now.”
Doris was initially put back in by Farrell at flanker eight months later for Ireland’s two October 2020 internationals and he was further selected for three November games at No.8.
But Warren Gatland left Doris out of his squad for the Lions 2021 tour – instead Conan travelled to South Africa and started in all three Tests – a selection which was reinforced at Leinster this season where Conan has started at No.8 with Doris pushed across to flanker.
“We get along very well,” Doris said of his Leinster and Ireland team-mate. “There’s no hatred or anything, he is a quality player.
“I got my opportunity through him being injured at the 2019 World Cup and that injury was when I kicked on with Leinster and Ireland.
“I am very aware of what he is capable of. But the competition between the two of us will allow push us on and make us better.”
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