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Doris 'devastated' to miss out on Lions tour, says Farrell

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16 hoursRugby Union

Andy Farrell described Caelan Doris as "devastated" to miss out on a place on the British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia.

Ireland number eight Doris was unavailable for selection due to a shoulder injury and consequently missed out on a place in the 38-man selection announced on Thursday.

Lions coach Farrell, also Doris' coach for Ireland, conceded the 27-year-old would have been on the plane had he been fit.

"I have [spoken to him]. You can imagine, he's devastated," Farrell said.

"He would've definitely been in the mix, such an experienced player and leader. It's devastating for people like that.

"But there's always a constant in every single tour, and sport can be cruel sometimes, but Caelan will be back bigger and stronger."

Another name not included in the initial selection is Farrell's son Owen, who retired from England duty to join Racing 92 at the start of the season.

Scotland ace Finn Russell and England pair Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were selected as fly-halves for the squad ahead of Farrell, who has only recently returned from injury.

However, his father did offer an olive branch that he could be later added to the selection for one last Lions tour.

"He was in the conversation obviously, an experienced player like that, going for his fourth Tour," he said. 

"You cover all bases that's for sure in terms of the leadership qualities and all of that.

"But we got to a point where, like a few other players, we feel that Owen's still trying to find his way a little bit back to fitness.

"There's 38 picked, which leaves a couple of slots open for us down the track if and when needed. Owen, like a few other guys, would be in that bracket."

The Lions will play 10 fixtures on their tour, including the all-important three-match Test series with the Wallabies, the first of which takes place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on July 19.