Ireland's Henshaw ruled out of Six Nations clash with France

The 25-year-old Henshaw has not played since being deployed at fullback in Ireland's 32-20 defeat by England in the first round and "is improving more slowly than hoped", the IRFU said in a statement https://www.irishrugby.ie/2019/03/05/ireland-squad-injury-update-5.

(Reuters)

Byrne comes in as cover for flyhalf Joey Carbery, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, while flanker Dan Leavy is ruled out with an ankle problem.

Scrumhalf Kieran Marmion is back in coach Joe Schmidt's plans for the first time in 2019 following ankle surgery. Hooker Rob Herring gets a chance to impress, taking over from Sean Cronin, who is dropped after being handed a start against Italy last time out.

Defending champions Ireland, who are third in the standings behind England and leaders Wales, will name their team for the match on Friday.

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru and Nick Said in Cape Town; Editing by Simon Jennings)