Two concussions in Irish camp

Sean O'Brien and Jared Payne have suffered concussions in Ireland's Six Nations victory over England on Sunday.

 

Both players have commenced their graded return-to-play protocols with Ireland's next game against Wales only on Match 14.

 

Meanwhile, star flyhalf Jonathan Sexton's hamstring injury is being classed as only minor.

 

The 29-year-old Racing-Metro playmaker – who only returned to action again a fortnight ago after months out because of concussion – had to go off after his conversion gave Ireland a 19-3 lead in the second-half of their game against England on Sunday.

 

"Johnny felt a twinge in his hamstring and thankfully he managed to convert the try [by Robbie Henshaw]," said Schmidt after the match.

 

"However, we thought it was wise to take him off. We haven't had it assessed yet so we don't know the severity of it."