A man of the match display in Leinster’s Guinness PRO14 Semi-Final victory over Munster further cemented Caelan Doris’ status as one of the brightest young talents in European rugby. And the 22-year-old’s superb performances throughout 2019/20 have not gone unnoticed, as he has been named the Guinness PRO14 Next-Gen Star of the Season. The back-rower has been a key part of Leinster’s so-far unbeaten campaign, making 10 appearances for Leo Cullen’s side – nine of which came in the regular season as they swept all before them to top Conference A. Doris’ tackling has been a particularly impressive aspect of his game. The 6ft 4in star has made 113 tackles in 2019/20 and has a tackle success rate of 98%, the fourth highest across the Guinness PRO14. With his fellow Leinster back-row Will Connors leading the way for tackles made (191), the pair have been integral in laying the foundations on which the province have built their success. He has also consistently made yards with ball in hand – producing 59 successful carries this term, joint third most in the PRO14.
