Farrell sure Ringrose is a future Ireland captain

Andy Farrell says Garry Ringrose is an Ireland captain in-waiting, as the centre prepares to win his 50th cap on Saturday against Italy.

The Leinster man will bring up his half-century of Test appearances in the 13 shirt, starting outside the returning Bundee Aki in midfield for the Round 3 meeting with Italy in the Guinness Six Nations at Stadio Olimpico (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

The 28-year-old has been one of Ireland's key players in their run to number one in the world, while he has also emerged as a leader at his province, regularly captaining the side this season in the absence of Johnny Sexton.

And while it's James Ryan who will take over captaincy this weekend with Sexton out injured, the head coach says it's only a matter of time before Ringrose gets that honour.

"I think we're very lucky, it's well documented, as far as our leadership group and the growth of them [is concerned]," Farrell said.

"I feel we’re in a great place that we would be more than happy for a handful of players to captain the side. James [Ryan] is the lucky one this weekend who is able to do that.

"But Garry Ringrose is an exceptional leader. I’m sure that he’ll be captain of Ireland one day."

And the head coach says Ringrose is unlucky not to have reached his 50th cap sooner.

"It's a special moment. It was special for us all to be involved with three lads a few weeks ago and it was a great occasion for them so there's no-one more deserving than Garry.

"He's had a few injuries in the last few years that have probably taken a few caps away from him but to be able to do it at the age he has as well as losing those games says a lot about the type of player that he is.

"He's in top form right now and he's only going to get better."

Farrell has made