Ireland trio ruled out of Wales Six Nations game

Captain Caelan Doris (left) has appeared in Irelands past 42 Test matches, a run stretching back to the 2021 Six Nations

Ireland captain Caelan Doris, Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong have been ruled out of Saturdays Six Nations game against Wales in Cardiff.

Leinster back row Doris has picked up a knee injury, while hooker Kelleher is struggling with a neck issue.

Prop Furlong missed Irelands wins over England and Scotland, and while the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said he was "making good progress" on Sunday, he remains unavailable.

After facing Wales, there is another down week before Ireland host France at Aviva Stadium on 8 March.

"Were hoping theyll be available for France, theyre just going through their processes they do with the physios, but theyre all making good progress," said Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman.

With Ulsters Iain Henderson and Cormac Izuchukwu also ruled out, Ireland called up six players on Sunday, including Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney.

Munster forwards Gavin Coombes and John Hodnett and Leinster back row Diarmuid Mangan were also added to interim boss Simon Easterbys panel on Sunday.

"There are some guys who have been playing well for their provinces in those positions that are ready for an opportunity, so its exciting for them," added Goodman.

When asked who will captain Ireland against Wales in Doris absence, Goodman said: "Theres some good leaders in the squad.

"The leadership groups been growing well over the past couple of years and theres a number of players who have captained their provinces, so we have some good options there."

More to follow.