The Leinster openside suffered a fractured arm against Italy and will undergo surgery this week, ruling him out of the RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland at Lansdowne Road.

Ireland coach Eddie OSullivan names his team to face the Scots on Tuesday (March 23).

OSullivan believes winning a first Triple Crown since 1985 will be a fitting reward for his sides progress in the RBS 6 Nations.

Only Scotland stand in the way of a clean sweep of home nations scalps and given the form shown by Matt Williams men in this years championship, it seems unlikely they will upset the Irish at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

A team like England targets the Grand Slam every year, but for us winning the Triple Crown would be great because we dont do it very often. Its a rare event in our history, said OSullivan.

It does mean beating England, Wales and Scotland in one season which is a big ask. Its the cherry on the cake. Its not the biggest achievement in the world but it would still be a good way to finish the 6 Nations.