Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton confirmed that he is fit and ready to play against France for the first time in three years ahead of the massive showdown on Saturday.

Sexton passed a head injury assessment (HIA) and recovered from a dead leg in time for Saturday, which could be definitive in the title race.

The playmaker has not played against France since Ireland lost 35-27 in 2020, where the veteran was frustrated for being subbed off during the game.

“No more hiccups”

The Irishman is looking for “no more hiccups” ahead of the massive clash and is looking forward to running out at the Aviva Stadium.

“I was saying this morning, the last two Wednesdays before France over the last two fixtures I’ve ended up pulling out, so to get through today is great,” said Sexton.

“I can look forward to the game, hopefully no more hiccups.

“Obviously the confusion around the HIA and stuff like that, there’s nothing I can control about that, but I’ll be ready to go for 80 this week if needed.

“It feels like a huge game. There’s no point in saying anything otherwise.

“You can’t just come in here and say ‘it’s just another game’ because it’s not, it’s one we’ve waited a long time for and I’ve read that they want this test – to come to the Aviva and try and overturn us. It’s a huge game.”