Ireland captain Best sits out training in Rome

Ireland captain Rory Best will sit out today's captain's run in Italy.

The Ulster hooker has been struck down with a stomach bug, but he has not been ruled out of tomorrow's Six Nations clash with Italy and the Ireland camp say they are hopeful the 101-cap forward will be fit to start. 

Niall Scannell has been named among the replacements for the game in Rome.

Leinster hooker James Tracy may be called into cover if Best is ruled out of the fixture. This comes as a worry for the Ireland coaching staff as usual deputy, Sean Cronin, was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.