Jonathan Sexton cleared to return against France

Ireland have confirmed that Jonathan Sexton has been cleared to return to action for the team's Six Nations match against France later this month.

The fly-half will miss the defending champions' opening match of the tournament after picking up his fourth concussion in 12 months, leading to a mandatory 12-week layoff.

However, the Irish Rugby Football Union has announced that Racing Metro's medics have cleared the 29-year-old to return next weekend, while written confirmation from World Rugby has also been received.

Sexton last played in the national side's win over Australia in November, during which he suffered his fourth concussion.