Johnny Sexton ‘Saddened And Shocked’ By Comments Made By French Doctor

Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton has today expressed his frustration towards comments made by a French doctor regarding his history of head injuries.

Doctor Jean-Francois Chermann worked with Sexton at Racing 92 where he once recommended the Ireland star to take a 12-week break from rugby. While in conversation with French broadcaster RMC Sport this week Chermann remarked “I think Jonny Sexton has had somewhere in the region of thirty concussions in his career history, it’s true that it’s huge.”

The comments came as Johnny Sexton came off with a head injury against Wales last weekend. The Leinster kicker is however hoping to pass the return to play protocols and feature against France on Sunday.

The comments have understandably not sat well with a ‘saddened’ Sexton who is determined to keep focus on the crucial game on hand.

“I am pretty saddened and shocked by the inaccurate reports put out yesterday”, said the outhalf. “We’ve been here before, it’s frustrating and for me I think it’s totally inappropriate that a doctor that I have seen – many years ago now – felt it was appropriate to come out to whoever it was and say those things.

“It’s inaccurate, highly inappropriate and I’m pretty dissapointed but for me I’m so used to it that it’s almost like water off a duck’s back. But for my wife and Mum and stuff like that it’s very upsetting – that’s the world we live in. I don’t really want to talk too much more about it, it’s inaccurate and I want to focus on this week and the return to play.

“If I don’t pass one of the stages I won’t play and if I do pass them I’ll be fit to play and it’s down to the coaches then. That’s the way we’ve always done it and I trust the medical guys here, they look after us incredibly well, and I’ll continue to trust them”

Ireland take on France this Sunday at 15:00 (Virgin Media One)