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Ange Capuozzo returns but Nacho Brex ruled out for Italy ahead of Six Nations match with Ireland

GENOA, ITALY - NOVEMBER 22: Ange Capuozzo of Italy is seen in action during the Quilter Nation Series 2025 match between Italy and Chile at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on November 22, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda - Federugby/Federugby via Getty
Ange Capuozzo missed Italy's opening weekend win over Scotland

Italy have been handed a boost with the return to their squad of full-back Ange Capuozzo as ⁠they prepare to take on Ireland in the Six Nations, but must do without Nacho Brex in midfield for the Aviva Stadium clash.

Capuozzo fractured a finger playing for his French club Toulouse in December and missed Italy's 18-15 win over Scotland in their opening match of the tournament.

Scrum-half Stephen Varney was not considered for the clash in Rome as he recovered from an adductor injury but has been declared fit for the trip to Dublin.

Winger Simone ⁠Gesi has also been included in the squad, but Brex sits out for ⁠family reasons after winning his 50th cap against Scotland.

"Nacho is a player of great value to ⁠the team, both ⁠on and off the pitch, but in managing the team, the human aspect and family will always be a priority in my ⁠opinion," said coach Gonzalo Quesada.

"We discussed it with him, and the decision we made is the best one. To stay focused on your work, it's important to remain calm: in every area, with players and staff, we work with individuals first, rather than with professionals," he added.

Ulster back row Bryn Ward has joined the Ireland squad ahead of Saturday's clash at Aviva Stadium, while Tadhg Furlong could start.


Watch Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on Friday from 7.25pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Watch Scotland v England on RTÉ Player

Follow a live blog on Ireland v Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday from 2.10pm on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1

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