A rib injury, picked up in the game against England, has flared up again and forced the withdrawal of Paul O'Connell from the Ireland side for the game against Italy at Lansdowne Road.

Paul O'Connell has cried off the Ireland team to play Italy in the RBS Six Nations Championship at Lansdowne Road tomorrow because of bruised ribs.

He is replaced in the second row by Donncha O'Callaghan, whose position on the replacements bench will now be filled by Gary Longwell.

O'Connell is however expected to have recovered in time for the Triple Crown decider against Scotland in a week's time.