Ireland captain Johnny Sexton's management company injected ...

JOHNNY SEXTON'S management company injected over HALF A MILLION euro into a directors' pension pot in 2022.

Directors' pay within the Ireland captain's firm - JAS Management & Promotion Ltd -  increased from €82,859 to €653,002 in the 12 months to the end of September.

However, the largest cash injection was that of €552,509 in pension contributions.

As a result, the company recorded a loss of €460,556 last year, lowering it's accumulated profits to €2.33m at the end of September 2022.

Sexton is currently with the Ireland national team as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup.

Andy Farrell's men face England on Saturday evening in the second of their third warm-up games for the tournament.

However, they will be without their captain due to a suspension that ruled him out of all of their warm-up games.

He was available to play in a behind closed doors training game against Portugal during a warm weather camp in the country.

Sexton won't be the only talismanic figure missing from the game against England after Owen Farrell was left out of Steve Borthwick's panel amid fall-out over his red card against Wales.

One Ireland star is on the cusp of a major career landmark should he play against England.

Keith Earls will be on the bench this evening and, should he be involved at all, he will claim his 100th international cap.

His teammates have spent match week paying tribute to the legendary winger, with Andrew Conway hailing him as one of his 'best mates'.

Mack Hansen had Earls' initials shaved into his hair, which he also dyed green in honour of his compatriot.

In a video released by Ireland rugby on Twitter, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony all shared their thoughts on Earls' big accomplishment.

When asked what comes to mind when he thinks of Keith Earls, Murray said: "What a man, I suppose.

"Going to school and looking up to him. He was the superstar in schools rugby when I came into Munchins (their school) and was blessed to be able to call him a really good friend and share part of his journey with him.

"Rooming with him for the last 10 odd years I've seen the crazy side of Keith Earls, but what it means to him and his family.

"He's been close to so many milestones, so many big big victories that we've been a part of and he's just missed out.

"Every player goes through injury struggles and with him some of them were just really unlucky timing."

Sexton added: "Myself and Earlsy go way back. I met him on a Churchill Cup when I was 21 and he was 19.

"He was just called up from the U19's World Cup and you could just tell sraight away what a good lad he was. Humble but also what an incredibly good rugby player he was.

"I've loved playing with him since day one and I've had some great memories over the years with him."

The compliments kept flowing with Peter O'Mahony discussing his relationship with Earls and the big milestone.

He said: "It's going to be hugely special. We've been alongside each other for a long time now.

"We've been through a lot of ups and downs and I have to say I got a little bit emotional when I saw his name up there.

"He's put a huge amount into the game, the province, the country. He has sacrificed a huge amount of his time, of the normal side of life. I think him more so than lots."