Oct 29,2024
Caelan Doris doesn't believe that double-jobbing as Leinster and Ireland captain will affect his game.
The 26-year-old number 8 was appointed as skipper of his province last month taking over the role from co-captains James Ryan and Garry Ringrose, while Andy Farrell named him as Ireland captain for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.
Being named captain comes with additional media duties and more overall responsibilities but the Mayo man insists that he intends to lead primarily by example, and has been getting advice from his predecessors, including Johnny Sexton and Peter O'Mahony.
"When I’ve gone to the likes of Sexto or Pete, or even Garry and James, everyone’s main point is, 'the most important thing is the 80 minutes, your performance, lead through actions’.
"I’ve got a pretty good process in how I prepare, and I can’t let up on that while looking after everything else or the other responsibilities, the added responsibilities.
"My focus is still trying to prepare myself, while also taking other things into account, but not letting up on that in order to do the others. I’m trying to do that.
"I don’t think [it’s too much in a short space of time].
"I’m definitely excited by it and I’m looking forward to it. I love being in both environments and we’re looked after very well.
"I’ve only played three games so far this season so when I’m not playing there are other guys who are leading more so that week. So, it’s not as relentless as it might seem.
"Of course, you’re the official captain but there are so many other guys who are capable of leading and are leading as well. So, there’s not too much weight on my shoulders."
Doris (above) captained Ireland during last season’s Six Nations when O’Mahony was ruled out of the Italy game, and spoke about how he’s settling into the role after that experience and the games with Leinster, who lead the URC after six rounds.
"I’m enjoying it a lot more at this stage than when it first came about," said the back row, a try-scorer and player of the match in Saturday's 24-6 win over the Lions.
"I would have said to you guys in the first couple of weeks, the sort of self-doubt and the bit of impostor syndrome, and feeling that there’s new responsibilities and getting used to it all. I’ve had quite a few weeks at it now and things feel a bit more comfortable, and I’m starting to enjoy it more.
"I’m feeling growth in the role, I’m feeling a bit of my capacity expanding a little bit, but I know there’s still a ton of room for growth.
"I’m by no means the leader I want to be yet, the leader I believe I can get to.
"Where I’ve seen the likes of Johnny and Pete are at that stage of the career. It’s an enjoyable journey I guess and I’m enjoying the pushing of the comfort zone through it."
Doris’ first outing as new Ireland captain comes in a mouthwatering clash against New Zealand, who beat Ireland in last year’s World Cup quarter-final.
The sides have built up a fierce rivalry since 2016, the first time Ireland beat the All Blacks, each winning four of the eight clashes since the famous victory in Chicago.
The evening kick-off on 8 November only adds to the excitement, reckons Doris.
"Big time, I love Friday night games," he said.
"I think it’s conducive to a pretty good atmosphere.
"I like evening games anyway and it’s exciting. I’m looking forward to it big time.
"I think there’s mutual respect built.
"We’ve obviously always respected them given their legacy in rugby really but I think they’re starting to respect us more over the last five or six years, probably since 2016 really."
