Sexton ruled out of Italy clash, Ryan named captain

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of Saturday's Guinness Six Nations match with Italy (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player) due to injury.

The out-half suffered a groin injury against France in Round 2 and will not be risked against the Azzurri in Rome as Ireland bid to make it three wins in a row.

"I’m okay, getting there. I didn’t do much training this week but hopefully I’ll reintegrate next week and see where I am," Sexton told RTÉ’s Late Late Show on Friday but the game comes too soon for the 111-times capped back.

Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne is expected to replace the 37-year-old, while Jack Crowley and the recalled Joey Carbery are also options for Andy Farrell.

Second row James Ryan will captain the team in Sexton’s absence.

More to follow...

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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.

Watch live coverage of France v Scotland (Sunday, 3pm) on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.