Ireland back-rower Caelan Doris in ‘better place’ after concussion troubles

Ireland star Caelan Doris feels in a “way better place” than last year when concussion symptoms caused him to sit out the entire 2021 Guinness Six Nations.

The Leinster back-rower has undergone specialist cognitive testing after suffering problems with his concentration, speech and short-term memory.

Having made his club comeback in mid-April, he returned to Ireland duty last summer before being named his country’s player of the autumn, which included a man-of-the-match display in the gripping win over New Zealand.

Doris – who is almost certain to start Saturday’s Six Nations opener against Wales – is eager to make up for lost time as he continues to manage the issue.

“I’m in a way better place than this time last year, much more comfortable with it all,” he said.

“I’ve had a pretty clean season so far this year, and hopefully it will continue, touch wood.

“The testing definitely helps with that, gives me peace of mind. It’s still sometimes there, but it’s much less than it was last year.

Here is the squad representing @IrishRugby at this year's #GuinnessSixNations