Conor McGuinness will not be available for Ireland's international against Italy in Bologna on Saturday week. The St Mary's College scrum-half was ruled out before last night's selection meeting following the results of a scan on his right leg. A stress fracture will mean three to four weeks on the sidelines, ruling the unfortunate McGuinness out of rugby until after Christmas.

The Connacht half-back sustained the damage in last Saturday's match against Terenure College at Lakelands. A fledgling international career, spanning caps against New Zealand and Canada, will now be put on hold. McGuinness recovered from a difficult debut against the All Blacks to enjoy a more enterprising performance against the Canadians.

"It's very disappointing," McGuinness conceded. "Once you get in, you don't want to open the door again. To be honest, I knew that I was in trouble the minute it happened. My goal will be to get rid of the problem completely. I will not be taking any chances.

"I am going to spend the rest of December working my way back to fitness. I will take a total rest for a week and then do some swimming, cycling and jogging in the pool with a flotation belt. I want to get back playing All Ireland League in January and be available for the Five Nations when it begins in February."

Cork Constitution's Brian O'Meara will probably regain the Ireland number nine jersey, at least temporarily, with former captain Niall Hogan retaining his place on the bench. O'Meara has recovered from the injury which prevented him from sitting on the bench against Canada.

The Ireland team to play the Italians was selected last night but will not be announced until 2.0 p.m. this afternoon.