Six Nations 2013: Jonathan Sexton to miss Ireland's match against Italy

Ireland fly-half suffering from foot injury

Ireland's Jonathan Sexton picks up an injury against England (GETTY IMAGES)

Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton has been ruled out of Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy in Rome because of a foot injury.

Just two hours after being named in the starting XV for the Stadio Olimpico, Sexton has been withdrawn after tearing a tendon in training this morning.

Paddy Jackson, who deputised for Sexton against Scotland and France while the Leinster playmaker recovered from a hamstring injury, will continue in his absence.

"A scan has confirmed that he has torn a tendon in his left foot and is therefore ruled out this weekend," read an Irish Rugby Football Union statement.

PA