Rugby:Andrew Trimble has been ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations opener against Italy after breaking a bone in his right hand.

The Ulster winger picked up the injury during last weekend's Heineken Cup away win to Aironi which guaranteed the province reached the knockout stages for the first time since 1999.

Following an x-ray today, it was found that the 26-year-old had broken a metacarpal in his hand. Definitely out of the Italy game on Saturday week, Trimble will see a specialist this week to determine how long he will be sidelined.

Stephen Ferris and Tommy Bowe underwent scans on knee problems and an update on their progress is expected in the next 24 hours.