Ireland rugby injuries raise concerns as they push for a third successive Six Nations title

Ireland could be without captain Caelan Doris and hooker Ronan Kelleher for their pivotal Six Nations showdown against Wales on Saturday, as both players battle injuries in the lead-up to the match.

Doris, who has featured in every Ireland Test since the 2021 Six Nations, is nursing a knee problem, while Kelleher is managing a neck issue. Their absence would be a significant blow as Ireland look to keep their Grand Slam ambitions alive.

Interim head coach Simon Easterby is already dealing with an injury list that includes Iain Henderson (hamstring) and Cormac Izuchukwu (ankle), both ruled out. Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, and Nick Timoney have been drafted into the squad, alongside Munster’s Gavin Coombes and John Hodnett and Leinster’s Diarmuid Mangan.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed that prop Tadhg Furlong is progressing well in his recovery, while Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy have rejoined full training after missing recent matches due to injury. Scrum-half Craig Casey is also back in camp as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.

Ireland are aiming for a third consecutive Six Nations title, but their injury woes could make that challenge steeper. Meanwhile, Wales are in turmoil, having sacked head coach Warren Gatland after a humiliating 14th straight Test defeat against Italy. Matt Sherratt, now in charge on an interim basis, has called up fly-halves Jarrod Evans and Gareth Anscombe, along with centre Max Llewellyn.

Ireland have dominated recent encounters against Wales, including a commanding 34-10 victory in Cardiff in 2023. However, fitness con