Time running out for Keith Earls as battle with France nears

Keith Earls will undergo the latest stage of his return to play protocols today but Ireland’s tight RBS 6 Nations schedule could mean him missing out on a seventh consecutive start for Joe Schmidt this weekend.

The versatile back suffered a concussion late in Sunday’s championship-opening 16-16 draw with Wales.

Although he passed his initial Head Injury Assessment (HIA), he later showed symptoms which required him to progress through the return to play protocols this week and the Ireland wing will undergo HIA 3 this afternoon, 48 hours after the end of Sunday’s match.