Ulster have confirmed that Paddy Jackson has been ruled out of Ireland's opening Six Nations match against Italy.

The out-half dislocated his elbow during Saturday's loss to Toulon in the Champions Cup and is facing several weeks out of action, meaning that he will miss the start of Ireland's title defence in Rome on February 7th.

He could also struggle to recover in time for the visit of France to Dublin just seven days later.

With Jonny Sexton unlikely to feature until that France game at the earliest, it means the likes of Leinster's Ian Madigan and Munster's Ian Keatley will be vying for the starting spot against the Italians.