Italy skipper Parisse ruled out of Ireland game

Rome - Italy captain Sergio Parisse will miss Sunday's Six Nations clash against Ireland after suffering a head injury while playing for his club Stade Francais, the Italian rugby federation said on Tuesday.

Parisse, Italy's 136-cap record appearance-holder, suffered a suspected concussion during Saturday's 24-13 defeat by Lyon in the French Top 14.

"The Italy captain, having undergone a second phase of neurological exams following concussive trauma reported in the Top 14 match with Stade Francais, will follow the return-to-play protocols according to current international regulations," the federation said in a statement.

The 35-year-old Parisse will remain with the squad as they prepare to host Ireland in Rome, with Italy looking to snap a run of 19 straight Six Nations defeats dating back to 2015.

"Very disappointed to miss this game against Ireland, but you can't mess around with the head. Huge support to Leonardo Ghiraldini and all the boys for this big challenge," tweeted Parisse, who has played in a record 67 Six Nations matches.

Italy lost their opening game of this year's tournament 33-20 to Scotland and were then beaten 26-15 at home by Wales.