Stringer concern for Italy match

News: Peter Stringer, who injured a thumb in the Six Nations game against England, is an injury concern for Ireland's match against Italy at Lansdowne Road on Saturday week.

The scrumhalf was sidelined during the squad session yesterday and will be given every chance to recover ahead of the team announcement for the Italian game next Tuesday.

Stringer's thumb showed damage to a tendon and it has been put in plaster.

Coach Eddie O'Sullivan is optimistic about Stringer's prospects.

"The prognosis is good," he said. "The plaster is to immobilise the thumb and give it a better chance of recovery. We remain hopeful he will be fit to play."

Italy's promising number eight Sergio Parisse is set to miss the Ireland game. He was helped off during the second half of Saturday's victory over Scotland at the Stadio Flaminio with a leg injury. The 20-year-old is also doubtful for Italy's final game of the competition, against Wales in Cardiff on March 27th.

"The player will probably not be available for the game against Ireland and even the game against Wales," said Italy coach John Kirwan, who has named a 26-man squad for the trip to Dublin, which doesn't include Parisse. His loss will be a setback for the Italians.

Kirwan is likely to recall Viadana forward Matthew Phillips to replace Parisse.

But Kirwan is hopeful that centre Manuel Dallan will be available after picking up a knee injury against the Scots.

"I have included Manuel in the selection, but I will have to wait until tomorrow to get a definite diagnosis," he said.

Meanwhile, England prop Jason Leonard will retire at the end of the Six Nations championship after winning a world-record 114 caps during a career spanning the amateur and professional eras.

Ireland's four provinces have delayed naming their teams for this weekend's Celtic League fare, hoping the Irish team management will release all those outside of the starting XV against England.

Ulster flanker Neil Best is suffering from a leg injury ahead of their trip to the Celtic Warriors on Friday night, but number eight Roger Wilson, who missed the win over Munster, will be available for selection.

Ulster have confirmed Robbie Kempson is to leave to link up again with coach Alan Solomons at Northampton next season.

Ulster have signed the Australia-born Rod Moore on a full-time contract. Moore played for the province on a temporary contract this season.

Munster await fitness reports on winger Anthony Horgan and centre Rob Henderson for their game against Gwent Dragons on Friday night at Thomond Park.

Connacht, who meet Leinster at the Sportsground on Saturday, will confirm their team today after fitness tests on Matt Mostyn, Ted Robinson, Marnus Uijs and Wayne Munn.

Leinster will definitely be without flanker Aidan McCullen, knocked out by a punch from Cardiff's Rob Appleyard last Friday in Donnybrook and facing the mandatory three-week rest period for concussion victims.

Prop Peter Coyle may be fit to return, as could fellow front-rower Enda Bohan.

ITALY: Martin Castrogiovanni, Andrea Lo Cicero, Salvatore Perugini, Carlo Festuccia, Fabio Ongaro, Marco Bortolami, Carlo Checchinato, Santiago Dellape, Andrea de Rossi, Roberto Mandelli, Silvio Orlando, Scott Palmer, Aaron Persico, Matthew Phillips, Paul Griffen, Simon Picone, Roland de Marigny, Rima Wakarua, Matteo Barbini, Manuel Dallan, Cristian Stoica, Mirco Bergamasco, Denis Dallan, Nicola Mazzucato, Gonzalo Canale, Andrea Masi.