Garry Ringrose ruled out of Italy clash through injury

Garry Ringrose has been ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations clash with Italy in Rome through injury, with Stuart McCloskey promoted into the starting team in his place.

Ringrose, who had been due to earn his 50th cap at the Stadio Olimpico, had been nursing a calf injury since the victory over France. Despite being initially named in the starting XV, he has now been withdrawn.

The Irish management have said they are hopeful that the Leinster centre will be fit for the remaining games of the Six Nations campaign, with Ireland chasing a fourth ever Grand Slam.

Ulster centre McCloskey will now start, slotting in at inside centre, while Bundee Aki moves to the outside centre berth.

Leinster utility back Jimmy O'Brien has been elevated to the bench.

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Watch live coverage of Italy v Ireland (Saturday 2.15pm) on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app, or listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.

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