The IRFU say that they are still confident that Jonathan Sexton will be available to play against Italy in the Six Nations.

Racing Metro announced earlier today that the out-half had damaged his thumb ligaments during last weekend's defeat to England and that he could be sidelined for anything between 10 days and six weeks.

However, the Irish medical team say that a review of scans on the injury has indicated that Sexton will not require surgery and they remain confident that he will be fit enough to start against Italy next Saturday.

In a further update, the Union say that Peter O'Mahony hopes to return to running over the weekend following his hamstring injury while Brian O'Driscoll was able to take part in training today in Belfast.

Andrew Trimble suffered a knock to his knee during today's workout and was withdrawn as a precaution.