Caelan Doris has reflected on a "bizarre" debut Six Nations campaign as he focuses on staying fit and ready for a return to action.
The 22-year-old Leinster flanker is diligently sticking to a strict training plan in his dad's Co Mayo shed as the sporting world remains on lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He's had quite the year.
Doris was named to start in Ireland's Six Nations opener against Scotland at the Aviva after turning Andy Farrell's head with a string of barnstorming performances for Leinster.
A dream day turned sour just four minutes in when he was forced off with a concussion, and though he returned for the loss to England at Twckenham, the coronavirus outbreak out the championship on ice.
"It was a bizarre first Six Nations to be involved in I suppose but being able to look back now, it was incredibly cool to be involved," Doris told the IRFU website.
"From my first selection in the training camp for Portugal, to being told by Andy that I was starting in that first game against Scotland.
"Four minutes wasn't exactly what I was hoping for.
"There were mixed emotions after the game. I was obviously delighted to get my first cap and I had really enjoyed the build-up during the week, but to have my debut cut short after just four minutes was bitterly disappointing.
"My parents were in the dressing room after the game for when I was getting my first cap but it was just so disappointing the way the game ended for me. I was so happy we won and delighted for everyone but you’re mixing that with your own personal disappointment. It was a strange feeling."
Losing against England wasn't a particularly pleasant day at the office either but it was all experience in the bank for Doris. Now, like the rest of us, he's keeping his distance indoors while patently waiting for hsi chance to pull on a green jersey again.
"(Twickenham) was obviously a disappointing day as well with the result going against us but I'm sure those experiences will be beneficial for me going forward," he added.
"I learned so much over the course of the couple of weeks and that Scotland week in particular was very special.
"To receive lots of nice message from family and friends was a pretty cool feeling and to then experience a home Test week is something I’ll never forget.
"I tried my best to keep focused but I wanted to enjoy everything and take it all in. It’s a very special moment for any young player, the culmination of all your hard work so far.
"Although it didn’t go as I wanted, it’ll always be a special day for me and my family."
