Sexton rules out his early return

 

The Irish flyhalf suffered a concussion when he clashed heads with team-mate Rob Kearney as they combined to tackle Adam Ashley-Cooper late in Ireland’s 26-23 win against Australia on November 22.

 

The concussion was Sexton’s fourth of 2014 and prompted doctors to advise him to take 12 weeks out from the game, which rules him out until the second game of Ireland's Championship defence against France on February 14.

 

The 29-year-old will also miss key European Rugby Champions Cup games for Racing Metro against Treviso and Northampton but he is determined to heed his doctors’ advice.

 

"I wish," Sexton admitted when asked by Irish radio station Newstalk's Off the Ball show if an early return was on the cards.

 

"The club would like to have me back for the big European games, and to miss any game for Ireland is a massive blow.

 

"It's what you play rugby for, those big days, to miss that is gutting. I'd like to, but the doctor has my best interests at heart. There are lots of things to consider.”

 

Sexton confirmed his recovery has gone very well to date and he is determined to be match-fit for the game against France, although he is not taking his selection for granted.

 

"I'm feeling a lot better, this is week seven of the 12 weeks I've been told to take,” Sexton said.

 

“I'm feeling better and training harder every week with less symptoms, which is great and exactly what the doctor wanted.

 

“I'll be mad keen to get back in but I have to take the 12 weeks and take what feels like punishment, but that's the way it's got to be.

 

"Hopefully, I can do contact in a few weeks when I meet the doctor. I'll have to do a couple of contact sessions to be considered.

 

"My return-to-play date is February 14, the Ireland v France game, and if I want to be considered for that I'll have to do some contact sessions.

 

"Even then, I don't know if I'll be considered for that by the coaches, given I won't have played for 12 weeks. I'll let them make that decision. I'll just come into camp in the best shape possible."

 

Leinster flyhalf Ian Madigan appears to be in pole position to start for Ireland against Italy, with Ulster’s Paddy Jackson and Munster’s Ian Keatley also providing options.

 

Irish coach Joe Schmidt received some good news on the injury front with the return of Jared Payne, Keith Earls and Marty Moore to provincial action this weekend.