Concussion worry for Ireland’s would-be Six Nations leader

Jamie Heaslip may face a fitness battle for Ireland's Six Nations campaign he took a bang to the headin Leinster's Pro12 victory over the Ospreys.

The number eight was forced off the field after only six minutes and was not allowed to resume playing as he failed a head injury assessment. Blood was seen coming from the number eight's mouth as he left the pitch. Heaslip was among the candidates to be handed the Ireland captaincy as Ireland try to defend last year's tournament win as Joe Schmidt has yet to appoint a new captain following Paul O'Connell's retirement from international duty. The Leinster number eight replaced Brian O'Driscoll as Ireland captain for the 2013 Six Nations and lead the Irish during the World Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Argentina in 2015, a game which O'Connell missed through injury. Leinster won the match 9-22, a result which saw them go top of the league.