Ireland’s Sexton out of France Six Nations match after head knock

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been left out of Sunday’s must-win game against Six Nations favourites France in Dublin after suffering a blow to the head against Wales last week.

Fly-half Sexton failed to pass the return-to-play protocols after the incident in the 21-16 defeat in Cardiff.

The skipper’s long-standing half-back partner Conor Murray will also be absent.

Ulster’s Billy Burns will deputise in the number 10 jersey, while Jamison Gibson-Park has replaced Murray at scrum-half.

France will be bidding to win in Dublin in the Six Nations for the first time in a decade, having thumped Italy 50-10 in their opening match.

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