Ireland are just two weeks away from their opening Six Nations clash against Wales but the focus at the moment is firmly localised on the health of Johnny Sexton.
Sexton suffered his fifth concussion on Saturday, while captaining Leinster in a Champions Cup game against Wasps.
Sexton clashed heads with former Leinster player Brendan Macken eight minutes into the game and when he failed the immediate concussion protocols, the Ireland number 10 was rightfully removed from the pitch.
The standard recovery time of a concussion injury usually encompasses a two week graduated return-to-play process. But Sexton's recurring incidents of concussion can no longer be considered a standard example of this potentially deadly head trauma injury.
https://t.co/r9bLTRVS7D https://t.co/TumNSXEuwL
— Torrejón Rugby Club (@rugbytorrejon) January 21, 2016
Sexton's association with concussion makes for grim reading. He was struck down by the injury on four occasions in 2014 which later resulted in the Leinster star undergoing a 12 week lay-off from competitive rugby.
His chances of featuring in the 2016 Six Nations are in dangerous territory at present, and rugby pundit George Hook feels it might be time for Sexton to consider stepping away from the sport.
''Johnny Sexton's concussion could be catastrophic for player, province and country. This is no ordinary brain injury. Sexton's history in this area is deeply worrying for everybody concerned about the well-being of this young man. ''
''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.''
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
