November concussion may rule Johnny Sexton out until Six Nations

Irish star taken out of the firing line

Amid the fanfare and glowing words spoken about Dan Carter's 2015 move to Racing Métro came an interesting update for head coach Laurent Labit. SportsJOE understands that Sexton has yet to return to the fray due to ongoing concerns over a concussive blow he picked up against Australia last month. Labit, who shares the coaching duties with Laurent Travers and Ronan O'Gara, was asked about Johnny Sexton's availability for Saturday's Top 14 date with La Rochelle. He responded, 'As long as Johnny Sexton doesn't feel 100% we cannot take any risks. He's not ready to play yet.' This weekend's league clash will be the fourth club game Sexton has missed since he was removed by the Irish medical team, with suspected concussion, during the November 29 Test victory at the Aviva Stadium. The out-half was removed from the field of play with just over three minutes of play remaining after clashing with Adam Ashley Cooper and team-mate Rob Kearney. Sexton underwent tests in Paris upon his return and, in line with the policy for many internationals who had featured in November Tests, was rested for a home, league win over Bayonne. He was left out of the match-day squad for the Champions Cup match with Ospreys, in Swansea, and "workload" was cited as the reason. The 29-year-old was expected to return for the home tie with Ospreys but, when his name did not feature in the squad, a club spokesperson said La Rochelle was his likely return. L'Equipe has reported, today, that Sexton may not return until mid February after advice from a Paris-based neurologist. When contacted today, the same spokesperson confirmed Sexton would 'at least' miss La Rochelle and refused to speculate on possible returns against Toulouse (December 28) or Bordeaux (January 3). The IRFU has been contacted for a comment on a concussion diagnosis in November and for any update they may have on the player. At time of publishing we are awaiting an official response.