Friday 6 February 2015 15:00, UK
Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton has been passed fit for next week’s Six Nations Championship match against France in Dublin.
The Racing Metro star has been forced to endure a three-month lay-off after suffering four bouts of concussion during a 12-month period.
Sexton's French Top 14 club had instructed the 29-year-old to complete his lay-off period before returning to action and Ireland's bosses have refused to interfere with that process.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt was happy for Racing’s medics to complete the necessary tests.
And the IRFU received official written notification from World Rugby on Friday that Sexton is now clear to return to full contact training and match action.
Sexton will, however, miss this Saturday’s opening Six Nations match against Italy allowing Munster's Ian Keatley to win his fourth cap in Rome.
And Schmidt has backed Keatley to shine on the trip to Italy, by saying: "His kicking percentages since Christmas are very, very strong.
"Based on that, we'd have confidence he can kick well.
"I think you've got to be able to give confidence or put confidence in players who are delivering – and in recent times he's delivered."
However, Sexton could take over for the match against France in Dublin on February 14.
