Ireland scrumhalf Gibson-Park ruled out of France showdown through injury

Gibson-Park withdrew just a few hours before Ireland's 34-10 win over Wales on Saturday with a hamstring injury.

Conor Murray deputised for Gibson-Park in Cardiff, and the Leinster player has failed to recover in time ahead of title holders France's trip to Dublin to take on the world's number one ranked team.

Prop Cian Healy, who was a late withdrawal from the Ireland bench against Wales, and fellow front-row forward Tadhg Furlong remain sidelined by injury.

"Jamison Gibson-Park and Cian Healy, who were both late withdrawals from the Wales game due to hamstring injuries, have been ruled out of contention for the France game," said an Ireland Rugby Football Union statement.

"Tadhg Furlong, who is rehabbing a calf issue, is also not being considered for selection this week.

"Gibson-Park, Healy and Furlong will continue their rehab programmes with the Ireland medical team."

Captain and outside-half Johnny Sexton, who suffered a dead leg in Cardiff, was also due to complete the HIA process on Monday.

The 37-year-old kicked 12 points in only his second appearance in three months after picking up an injury in the win over South Africa in November and then suffering a cheekbone issue on his return for Leinster at the start of January.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell insisted he has no concerns about Sexton's age as he attempts to help his veteran skipper rediscover top form.

"There's no doubt about his age in our mind," he said.

"I spoke to him over the last two weeks constantly that there's no excuse and he needs to be at his best.

"He cares about his rugby so much and doing such a good job for his team.

"We're trying to get him to a point where he's going to be at his best even though he hasn't played for so long. How he handles that, how he runs a team as in makes the team feel right and then goes out and performs at the same time.

"His goal-kicking was excellent (on Saturday) and that's testament to his character."