PROTOCOLS MAY SIDELINE STAR SEXTON

JOHNNY SEXTON could be available for Leinster’s PRO14 derby clash with Munster on Boxing Day.

The star outhalf was forced off after just three minutes of Saturday’s impressive come-from-behind Champions Cup win over Exeter Chiefs at Aviva Stadium.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt had claimed during Saturday’s RTE Sports awards that Sexton passed a Head

Injury Assessment.

But Leinster confirmed yesterday the Irish star did in fact fail aspects of the HIA 1 assessment immediately after the incident.

Sexton has been entered into the return to play protocols, which started on Sunday.

He is automatically sidelined for six days from the day of the game. But if he passes a number of subsequent tests during the course of this week, he will get the green light by the weekend.

That would make him available to Leinster boss Leo Cullen for the Thomond Park tussle.

But on the back of the Exeter double-header, Blues chiefs may have opted to rest Sexton regardless.

Sean O’brien, right, won’t play after shipping unspecified knocks in the Exeter game, but his injuries are not serious.

Hooker Sean Cronin fractured two teeth in that European clash and has had a dental procedure and will be assessed later in the week.

Barry Daly will return to training this week after an ankle injury but long-term concerns Rhys Ruddock, Joey Carberry, Jamie Heaslip and Tom Daly remain out.

Meanwhile, Stuart Lancaster has distanced himself from the Northampton job following Jim Mallinder’s departure.

The Leinster coach said: “I’m contracted to Leinster until the end of next season, that’s my situation. I’ve not spoken to any English club.

“To have me linked is pure speculation from my point of view. It wasn’t a hard decision to stay at Leinster and extend my contract by another year.

“I’m really enjoying what I’m doing, it fits my family. I’m coaching a great team in two good competitions. That’s all that’s on my mind.”