He has been replaced in coach Joe Schmidt's party for the tournament by uncapped Connacht front-row Finty Bealham.

"Connacht's Finlay Bealham has been brought into the Ireland squad following the hamstring injury sustained by Marty Moore which has ruled him out of the tournament," said an IRFU statement.

Australia-born Bealham, 24, qualifies through his grandmother who is from Enniskillen, and has played for Ireland Under-20s and Emerging Ireland.

Meanwhile key fly-half Jonathan Sexton, injured in last weekend's European Champions Cup clash between Irish province Leinster and English Premiership side Wasps, has to go through to the return to play protocols after suffering a head injury.

Sexton, 30, missed Ireland's Six Nations opener against Italy last year after being stood down from all rugby for 12 weeks after several concussions in quick succession.

His latest injury has led to fresh concerns over his health but the IRFU said Sexton "has passed both head injury assessment (HIA) 1 and 2 and will complete HIA 3 tomorrow (Tuesday)".

Reigning champions Ireland begin the defence of their Six Nations title at home to Wales in Dublin on February 7.