Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton has been sidelined with a hamstring injury less than three weeks before the Six Nations game against Italy.

However, the Pro14 champions revealed on Monday that Sexton will miss their match on Saturday with a 'minor hamstring injury'.

Ireland host host Italy on 24 October and then meet France a week later.

Andy Farrell's side are four points behind leaders England and second-placed France but with a game in hand.

Ireland will then be involved in four games in the new international tournament in November and early December when their opponents will include Wales, England and Georgia.