IRELAND captain Caelan Doris has hit out at social media trolls who have targeted the families of Andrew Porter and Tadhg Beirne since last week’s defeat to France.
The pair were involved in the incident that led to French superstar Antoine Dupont suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
But while France coach Fabian Galthie demanded that both be sanctioned, the match referee and citing commissioner both agreed it was an accidental ‘rugby incident’.
Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby blasted incendiary French comments that have led to Porter and Beirne receiving some personal abuse.
And Doris said: “I think Porter and Bernie have the collective around them and it’s a little bit easier for them but when it goes further afield than that to partners or families, it’s certainly not nice.
“I’m thankful for the two lads that they’ve got the support of the group. But I feel for the wives.”
Meanwhile the Mayo native is adamant that Ireland have not “maxed out”.
Today’s game with Italy could be an end of an era with Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray bidding farewell.
Record caps holder Cian Healy bowed out last week.
And there is likely to be more turnover before the 2027 World Cup with 12 of the 23 involved today aged 30 or over.
The side has won the last two Championships but last week’s 42-27 loss to France ended their Grand Slam hopes this year and made a third title a long shot.
But skipper Doris said: “There’s no way we’ve maxed out our potential.
“I know from how I’ve gone this campaign that I feel like I still have a lot more in me and it’s the same across the board with a lot of the lads.
“Getting our performances up five, ten per cent will contribute a lot to a better team performance.
“But collectively I feel there’s a lot more growth in us.”
