Sexton faces extended spell on sidelines after head blow

The head injury Johnny Sexton suffered in Ireland's 26-23 win against Australia in November could sideline the outhalf until the new year, with French sports daily L'Equipe reporting that the Top 14 medical committee have banned the player until February 14th. That would see Sexton miss Ireland's opening Six Nations clash with Italy.

Reports in L’Equipe say Sexton has consulted a neurologist in Paris several times since the game on November 22nd after suffering from headaches and nausea. Sexton is allowed to train with his Racing Metro team-mates but not take part in contact drills.

Racing head coach Laurent Labit said Sexton will not resume playing until he is fully fit.

“He will not play a match until he’s 100 per cent,” Labit told a news conference as Sexton was again left out of the squad for Saturday’s Top 14 game against La Rochelle.