Sexton’s future open to debate

‘I’M OK, I JUST GOT A BANG ON TOP OF THE HEAD’ Concern in rugby circles over his high tackling style.

Ireland warhorse Johnny Sexton insists he is fit for his country’s Six Nations clash against France today, but he must overcome worries about his future after a series of head injuries.

A French brain specialist who forced Sexton on to the sidelines for three months has backed the Irish flyhalf’s claims to be safe to play. But Jean-Francois Chermann also said he had once warned him to avoid repeat concussions or risk his career.

The 30-year-old Sexton, one of the most influential figures in Ireland’s double Six Nations triumphs, saved his side last weekend with a penalty kick that rescued a 16-16 draw against Wales.

However, he was clearly in pain when he left the field with a shoulder injury in the Dublin clash.

In naming Sexton for the team to play in Paris today, coach Joe Schmidt said the flyhalf is “pretty fit”.

“I’m okay now, I just got a bang on top of the head and it just compressed my neck a little bit,” said Sexton, who kicked 11 points against Wales.

“I’ve turned around pretty quick. But I’m fit to go and really looking forward to it.”

Sexton, whose high tackling style makes him vulnerable to head shocks, suffered his latest big scare just before the Six Nations started when playing for Leinster against Wasps.

As he was being treated, Wasps attacked and Sexton leapt up to help his defence. He later left the field though.

Leinster said at first it was a suspected concussion case and then changed their minds.

The events have heightened fears about the player’s future.

Sexton was forced to miss three months of rugby in late 2014 and early 2015 after suffering four concussions in a year playing for Racing 92 in France and for Ireland.

Irish Independent rugby commentator George Hook said last week Sexton should consider quitting after the latest blow.

“Sexton’s history in this area is deeply worrying for everybody concerned about the well-being of this young man,” Hook wrote.

“What price is he prepared to put on his future health? How many more blows to the head is he prepared to take in the name of professional sport?” – AFP