Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy this Saturday with a groin injury.
The fly-half was replaced after 47 minutes against France in Round 2 after being tackled by Uini Atonio and has not recovered in time to make the squad for the trip to Rome.
His understudy at Leinster Ross Byrne is expected to take on fly-half duties, while second row James Ryan, who celebrated his 50th cap in the blockbuster win over France, has been named as captain for the match.
Sexton previously suffered a dead leg in Ireland’s Round 1 win over Wales and underwent a head injury assessment earlier this year but is hopeful he can return for the trip to Edinburgh in Round 4.
He told RTE: “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.”
Ryan, who has taken on captaincy previously, said: “It is obviously a huge honour, it is very cool.
“It is a great moment for me and my family to captain my country this week – it still hasn’t sunk in.
“We’ve got a good group there, a core leadership group that has been there for the last couple of years.
“I have big shoes to fill, but I’ll be able to lean on guys like Garry [Ringrose] and Peter O’Mahony as well.”
Sexton, 37, will still travel to Rome with his team-mates at the weekend as Ireland look to make it three wins on the bounce in their pursuit of a first title since 2018.
The world number one side are off to a strong start after claiming bonus-point victories over Wales and France and top the table over Scotland on points difference.
Italy have suffered defeats against both France and England in their opening fixtures of the Championship but pushed France all the way in Rome in Round 1 and are set to welcome talismanic half-back Paolo Garbisi to the team.
