George Hook believes that Johnny Sexton should consider early retirement after latest concussion

Johnny Sexton's days as a professional rugby player could, and should, be numbered according to outspoken pundit George Hook.

The out-half was an early withdrawal from Leinster's heavy defeat at the hands of Wasps at the weekend after sustaining a concussion in this clash of heads with Brendan Macken.

Sexton pic.twitter.com/Jtm98O15NJ

— Kevin Mc Gillicuddy (@KMcGillicuddy86) January 23, 2016

It is by no means the first time that Ireland's first choice out-half has been sidelined by a head injury and George Hook is concerned about the fact that Sexton, who Racing Metro discovered had sustained four concussions in 2014, is so prone to that specific injury. According to Hook, it's the technique of the 30-year-old that so often leads to these knocks to the head and the pundit believes that Sexton ought to start weighing up the genuine chances that he could cause permanent damage if he continues playing. Writing in his Irish Independent column, Hook says: "Sexton's tackling technique is deeply flawed, as he carries his head too high at the tackle, leaving him exposed to heavy hits - the forearm smash by Mathieu Bastareaud being the perfect example. "The latest brain injury could be career-defining for Ireland's No 10 and will not easily be overlooked by him passing 'the protocols'.

"What price is the 30-year-old 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?

"Maybe it's time he gave serious consideration to cashing in his insurance policy and leaving rugby with his faculties still intact."