Sharp Johnny Sexton has got his swagger back, reckons Richie Murphy

Sharp in mind, body and tone of voice, the Ireland management are convinced Johnny Sexton is back in business and primed to face France on Saturday, despite his 12-week layoff. 

Given clearance last week by a French neurosurgeon to return to contact training three months after being stood down after a series of concussions, Ireland’s first-choice fly-half is in line to face his Top 14 contemporaries at the Aviva Stadium and looking focused as he prepares for a first taste of RBS 6 Nations action in 2015.

That’s according to Ireland assistant coach Richie Murphy, who oversees Sexton’s kicking practice in Ireland camp and will resume that role at provincial level when the Dubliner rejoins Leinster from Racing Metro next season.