Ireland captain Johnny Sexton to miss Six Nations game against France due to hamstring injury

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has bee ruled out of the second round Six Nations clash against France due to a hamstring injury.

The absence of Sexton will see Joey Carbery taking the kicking responsibility which is the only change to the starting XV from their 29-7 win over Wales in the opening round.

Connacht fly-half Jack Carty is set to make his first appearance since the 2019 World Cup when he comes off the bench.

James Ryan has been appointed the captain while Iain Henderson and Robbie Henshaw return to the bench after missing the previous game with Ryan Baird and James Hume dropping out of the matchday squad.

Ireland are currently at the second place in the table while France hold the top position following their 37-10 victory over Italy.

Ireland XV: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan (c) 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter

Reserves: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Peter O’Mahony, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Carty, 23 Robbie Henshaw