Italy skipper Sergio Parisse to miss Six Nations game against Ireland with concussion

Italy captain Sergio Parisse has been ruled out of his side's upcoming Six Nations encounter against Ireland in Rome following a concussion.

The 35-year-old sustained the injury while playing for his club Stade Francais during the weekend and his absence will be a big blow for Italy, who are currently on a 19-game losing streak in the competition - the worst in the history of Five/Six Nations.

The news was confirmed by a statement released by the Italian Rugby Federation.

"Having undergone the second phase of neurological investigations following the suspected concussive trauma reported in the Top14 match [v Lyon], Parisse will continue the return path required by the current international regulations," read the statement.

Parisse has featured in 136 Tests for Italy in which he started in 133 games and was appointed the captain of Italy in 2008.

Italy are currently languishing at the bottom of the Six Nations table after losing both their games.