Sergio Parisse ruled out of Italy's Six Nations clash with Ireland

The number 8 suffered a head injury playing for his club Stade Francais and his loss will come as a huge blow to Italy boss Conor O'Shea.

Captain Sergio Parisse has been ruled out of Italy’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Ireland in Rome on Sunday.

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