Caelan Doris ‘delighted’ to sign new IRFU deal before Christmas
There was little doubt that he was going to continue with his current employers, but Caelan Doris is nonetheless thrilled to have put pen to paper on a new three-year contract with the IRFU.
A debutant for Leinster against Connacht in an interprovincial clash at the Sportsground in April 2018, Doris picked up the first of his 36 senior international caps to date in a Six Nations Championship duel with Scotland a little under two years later.
His previous deal with the union was set to run out at the end of the current season, but he has now committed to both province and country until 2027 at the very least.
Having had his share of elation and heartbreak with both sides in recent years, the Mayo native is now looking forward to what the future holds.
“I’m enjoying my time massively with both environments. It’s a good place to be and I’m delighted to be here for another few years. It’s a short career and you can never take anything for granted,” Doris explained.
“It’s nice to get it over the line before Christmas and I can relax a little bit now knowing that I am here for a few years. I’m excited to continue to improve and evolve as a player. I feel there’s a lot more to come from me individually, as well as both environments collectively.”
Doris was speaking on Tuesday at an event that saw him being unveiled as the new brand ambassador for JFW renewables – one of Ireland’s leading solar energy companies.
Since returning from his first Rugby World Cup as an Irish player, the 25-year-old back-row has featured on four occasions for the eastern province – including last Saturday’s bonus point Champions Cup victory over Sale Sharks at the RDS.
He also featured in the narrow win against Munster on November 25 in the United Rugby Championship at the Aviva Stadium and will be hoping to do so again when the sides renew acquaintances at Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day.
While he acknowledges the prospect of coming face-to-face with his international colleagues after such a long time together in camp – both before and during the World Cup in France – remains odd, Doris has his sights set on achieving what would be a fourth career win at the Limerick venue.
“It was funny going into the Aviva game. Having been with them in camp and through pre-season, then over in the World Cup for so long, to be coming up against them in an interpro battle in the Aviva was strange. It’s going to be the same again this week. All the camaraderie and the friendships made over the last while will be put aside for the week,” Doris added.
“It’s always a pretty enjoyable place to go. On Stephen’s Day there’s a great buzz about the place in Thomond Park. You can’t quite enjoy your Christmas Day to the same degree, but I think it’s worth it. Especially if you are to get the win down there. It’s a very satisfying feeling.”