Irish rugby fans have reason to celebrate as Caelan Doris, the dynamic No 8, is set to return from injury and captain Ireland through an intense November schedule featuring four blockbuster Tests. The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed on October 15, 2025, that Doris, aged 27, will lead his country for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series after spending months on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. The announcement comes as Ireland prepares to face a gauntlet of southern hemisphere giants: New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and South Africa.
Doris’s absence since May had been keenly felt, especially as he was forced to miss the British and Irish Lions squad and has yet to feature for his province, Leinster, this season. But now, the influential back-rower is back, ready to anchor Andy Farrell’s squad in what promises to be a defining stretch for Irish rugby.
Farrell, who himself returns to the Ireland setup after a stint as head coach of the British and Irish Lions, has named a squad blending seasoned internationals with fresh faces. Notably, Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is the sole uncapped player in the group, offering a glimpse of the future while the team navigates the present. Speaking about the selection, Farrell said in an IRFU statement, “I’m delighted to announce the squad for the four upcoming matches this November. There’s an exciting look to the panel and there’s an opportunity for the more experienced players and for those who made their debuts on the Summer Tour to Georgia and Portugal. The Coaching Team are looking forward to seeing all of the players take their opportunity over the coming weeks.”
The campaign kicks off with a much-anticipated Gallagher Cup rematch against New Zealand at Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field on November 1. It’s a venue with fond memories for Irish supporters, as Ireland famously toppled the All Blacks there for the first time in 2016. “First up is New Zealand and we’re really excited to get back to Chicago for the Gallagher Cup match. I’ve no doubt the Irish global supporter base will be out once again in force to cheer on the team in a brilliant city at a world-class arena,” Farrell enthused. From there, Ireland returns home to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, hosting Japan, Australia, and South Africa on consecutive Saturdays.
The Ireland squad will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday, October 20, before jetting off to Chicago the following day. Alongside the main squad, Connacht winger Shayne Bolton—who earned his first Test cap against Portugal during the summer tour—and uncapped Munster duo Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson will travel as cover. It’s a sign of the depth Farrell is building, ensuring Ireland can weather the inevitable attrition of Test rugby.
Unfortunately, the November series comes too soon for several key players. Full-back Hugo Keenan, lock Joe McCarthy, winger Calvin Nash, and lock Cormac Izuchukwu have all been ruled out due to injury. Their absence opens the door for others to step up, and with the likes of Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, and Garry Ringrose among the backs, there’s no shortage of firepower. In the forwards, stalwarts such as Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, James Ryan, and Josh van der Flier will be expected to provide the muscle and leadership needed for such a challenging run.
Farrell’s excitement is palpable as he looks ahead to the series: “This November’s Quilter Nations Series promises to be a great challenge. We’re playing four top quality southern hemisphere teams who are all coming off the back of a busy block of matches of late and they’ll be keen to finish their year strongly.” He also highlighted the improvements in Japan’s game, noting, “We’ve seen the strides Japan have made from their ever-improving domestic competition and how that has led to success on the field for the national team over the last number of years.”
Australia, who Ireland will face on November 15, are no strangers to Irish fans, having competed in a fiercely contested 150th Anniversary match last year and made significant progress through the British and Irish Lions Tour and the Rugby Championship. The finale against South Africa, the reigning world champions, on November 22, promises to be a colossal encounter to round off the series.
Tickets for the Quilter Nations Series have been snapped up quickly, with the Australia and South Africa fixtures already sold out and only limited general sale tickets remaining for the opener against Japan. The matches will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One in the Republic of Ireland, TNT Sports in the United Kingdom, and streamed globally on IrishRugby+ in regions without a dedicated broadcaster. RTÉ will also provide coverage for the home matches, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action.
The full Ireland squad, as named by Farrell, reflects a careful balance of experience and youth. Among the backs are Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, and Jacob Stockdale. The forwards include Thomas Ahern, Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris (captain), Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Ronan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Nick Timoney, and Josh van der Flier.
As the squad prepares to embark on their transatlantic journey, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the memory of their historic 2016 win in Chicago still fresh and the knowledge that each opponent is eager to finish their year on a high, Ireland’s mettle will be tested at every turn. Yet, with Doris back to marshal the troops and Farrell’s steady hand at the helm, there’s a quiet confidence brewing in the Irish camp.
Whether it’s the return of a key leader, the emergence of new talent, or the roar of a passionate home crowd at Aviva Stadium, this November’s series has all the ingredients for a rugby spectacle. The journey begins in Chicago, but the story will unfold over four thrilling weekends—each one a chance for Ireland to stamp their mark on the global stage once again.
With anticipation building and the rugby world watching, Ireland’s November campaign is poised to deliver drama, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. Fans won’t want to miss a second as the boys in green chase glory against the best the southern hemisphere has to offer.
