James Ryan to lead Ireland in Six Nations game against Italy

Leinster lock James Ryan will be leading Ireland in the upcoming Six Nations game against Italy to be played on Saturday.

The decision follows after regular skipper Johnny Sexton has failed to make sufficient recovery from the groin injury that he sustained during the encounter against France.

Ross Byrne will take Sexton's place at fly-half after impressing in the two outings until now from the bench with Jack Crowley and Joey Carbery other options in the squad.

Ryan, who will be leading Ireland for the seventh time said the squad has enough depth to cover the loss of Sexton.

"That’s one of the things that Faz is brilliant at, it’s not 15 or 23, it’s all about the group so I think the squad depth is one thing that has come on the last couple of years," the captain said.

"Tadhg Furlong is one example, big player for us that’s injured but how well Finlay Bealham has gone.

"He’s just an example. If there’s an injury or someone pulls out late there’s a no-excuse mentality in the group. Everyone has to be ready to play and fill that void so that’s just the mentality of the team at the moment. Everyone's got to be ready to play and to fill that void.

"So, yeah, that's the mentality of the team at the minute."

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will confirm the matchday squad on Thursday.