O'Callaghan ruled out of Italy clash

Second-row Donncha O'Callaghan has been ruled out of Ireland's RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy at Croke Park on Saturday.

The Munster man missed training earlier in the week as a result of a knee injury sustained while playing for Munster a fortnight ago.

However, he was deemed fit and named in Ireland coach Declan Kidney's starting team on Wednesday. That injury has now flared up again and O'Callaghan will play no part in the Six Nations opener against the Azurri.

O'Callaghan will be replaced in the starting XV by Leinster captain Leo Cullen, who was originally named on the bench for the match. Munster forward Donnacha Ryan will take Cullen's place among the substitutes.

O'Callaghan has not been ruled out of Ireland's clash with France in Paris on Saturday week and it is hoped he will be available for selection for that match.

The 58-times capped O'Callaghan is the third frontline Ireland player to be ruled out of the Italy fixture due to injury, joining Jonathan Sexton and Stephen Ferris.

Denis Leamy and Luke Fitzgerald, members of last year's Grand Slam winning team, were ruled out prior to the selection of the squad for this year's tournament.

Speaking to RTÉ.ie's Michael Corcoran, Ireland defence coach Les Kiss said: 'I think it's about five years since he missed a game so it's tough for him. He has done all he can to be ready it but it's not to be.'

Commenting on the possibility that O'Callaghan will be available for France, Kiss added: 'That's what we're aiming for obviously. The rehab the medics have done over the last 10 days has been phenomenal... it's come on fantastically.

'He'll be thereabouts.'