Italy vs Ireland team news: Garry Ringrose ruled out of Six Nations clash as home side lose Sergio Parisse

Garry Ringrose will miss Ireland's Guinness Six Nations trip to Italy, having failed to beat his hamstring complaint.

Ireland must do without the much-vaunted Leinster centre for Sunday's Stadio Olimpico trip, though that loss is eased by Chris Farrell being passed fit after a knee-injury scare.

Farrell impressed in Ireland's 22-13 victory in Scotland on Saturday 9 February, but limped out of Munster's Pro14 clash against Southern Kings on Friday night.

Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne have returned to Ireland's squad to bolster boss Joe Schmidt's options at lock, though Rhys Ruddock misses out through hamstring trouble and Will Addison is sidelined with a minor back complaint.

"Garry Ringrose and Rhys Ruddock will continue their respective hamstring rehab at Leinster this week," the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed in a statement.

"Chris Farrell has been reviewed by the Ireland medical team and is fit to train today.

"Will Addison has some lower back stiffness that is being managed at Ulster this week.

"Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne, who were named in the initial Six Nations squad, have joined the group at Carton House this week."

Classy Leinster centre Ringrose missed Ireland's Edinburgh victory with a hamstring issue that Ireland had expected would not need much further recovery.

Head coach Schmidt's decision to send Ringrose back to Leinster this week could therefore perhaps be risk-averse, with Ireland yet to face France and Wales in the tournament.

Garry Ringrose has been ruled out of Ireland's trip to Italy with a hamstring injury (PA)

The return of Ulster's Henderson from finger trouble and Munster's Beirne from a knee issue is a genuine boost to Ireland's campaign. The sole caveat around Henderson remains a Pro14 disciplinary hearing on Tuesday night, where a suspension would rule him out of Sunday's Italy trip.

Uncapped Connacht trio Caolin Blade, Jack Carty and Tom Farrell have also joined up with Ireland in a 34-strong squad to prepare to face the Azzurri, who on Tuesday saw their captain Sergio Parisse ruled out of Sunday’s encounter with concussion.

The 35-year-old number eight suffered a suspected concussion in Stade Francais' 23-14 home Top 14 defeat by Lyon on Saturday.

Sergio Parisse has been ruled out with concussion (EPA)

The Azzurri must now do without their 136-cap record appearance-holder when searching to end a run of four straight Test defeats.

Forwards coach Giampiero De Carli insisted, however, that Italy can cope in the absence of their talismanic skipper.

"The loss of Sergio Parisse? It is clear that we lose one of the strongest number eights in the world, but we have players who are up to the situation that will be able to contribute to the team," said De Carli.

"We know Ireland well, we faced them last time in Chicago in the first Test match in November: it will be crucial for us to make the most of our opportunities."

The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) confirmed Parisse's injury absence in a statement on Tuesday, revealing however that the long-serving captain will remain with the squad to help Conor O'Shea's men prepare to host Ireland.

"Sergio Parisse, captain and number eight of the national team, will not be available for the third match of the Six Nations in Rome against Ireland," read the FIR statement.

"The Azzurri captain, having undergone the second phase of neurological investigations following concussive trauma reported in the Top 14 match with Stade Francais, will continue to the return-to-play protocols according to current international regulations.

"The Italy captain will also remain with the squad."

PA