Parisse injured his leg during the 20-14 victory over Scotland on Saturday and he is definitely out the trip to Ireland and also rated doubtful for the Millennium Stadium clash with the Welsh.

But, despite the setback, he remains optimistic of making a return from the injury that forced him off the field at the Flaminio Stadium after just over an hour.

Of course I'm very disappointed about this injury, which has blown my hope of playing in Dublin against the Irish, he said.

With regard to to match against the Welsh, I have to wait a week and then I will go under another scan. At present, my leg is still a bit sore and the muscle is tight but I'm a positive man who never gives up so hopefully I will be able to play at the Millennium Stadium.

But if I'm still injured, it will not be a problem because the squad is very strong and there are lots of good players who will be ready to replace me.

The only thing that upsets me slightly is that I was in very good form but these things happen in rugby.