The image once again frightened.
Jonathan Sexton inert on the lawn of the Millennium, his arms stiff.
Victim of yet another concussion after having taken full force the knee of the Welshman Justin Tipuric in the temple.
A worrying vision as the opening half of Ireland has chained the knockouts in recent years.
Particularly since 2014.
That year, in the Tournament, a charge from Mathieu Bastareaud left him unconscious at the Stade de France.
A year later, rebelte with the same actors.
Sexton in blood on the lawn of the Aviva Stadium after a huge buffer from Bastareaud.
This year 2015, the Irishman will have two other concussions, including one against the XV of France during the World Cup.
This time the executioner is called Louis Picamoles.
The neurologist consulted decides to stop the costs.
Twelve weeks of rest.
But, on January 23, 2016, he suffered a concussion with the province of Leinster against the Wasps.
This does not prevent him from playing the Tournament… and immediately resuming a shock to the head.
The voices are rising, more and more numerous, to say stop, to advise him to withdraw before the after-effects are too heavy, irreversible.
"How many punches to the head is he prepared to take in the name of professional sport?" Asked Irish public television star presenter George Hook.
Sexton should think about stopping before it's too late. ”
"
I see no reason to stop
"
Jonathan sexton
The person concerned is not of this opinion.
On the contrary even.
The reply slams.
Aberrant.
“I want to be the best player in Ireland and I still have aspirations for other things.
I'm not going to retire just because you (
the media, editor's note
) want to.
I will continue as long as I feel good and hungry.
I know some former players also want to see me quit, but I'm not going to crack. "
To the point of announcing, at the end of 2020, his desire to play until the age of 38 and the 2023 World Cup in France.
"Do I think I can do it?"
I think I can, Johnny Sexton told the BBC.
I'm still hungry, I still love the game, I still love competing, training and being part of this team.
I see no reason to stop. ”
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An incomprehensible stubbornness, an unconsciousness bordering on the absurd.
Neurologists have played the whistleblowers and, for two or three years, the subject of concussions has finally been recognized by World Rugby, treated seriously.
Too many players suffer from serious consequences for a collective awareness among players.
With a few exceptions.
We can cite the Welshman George North who also multiplies the concussions but continues to play at all costs.
And, so Jonathan Sexton.
At the sight of the images, Sunday, the commentators drew the necessary conclusion.
The Irish opener will be forfeited next Sunday for the arrival of the XV of France in Dublin.
It was without counting on the principal concerned.
With the complicity of the doctor of the XV of Clover, he did not pass a concussion protocol when he left the Millennium Stadium.
Before avoiding being automatically put to rest.
And the words of the Irish captain after the loss to Wales augur for the worst.
"I am fine now.
Obviously I took a hit on the head but feel good.
I just have a little lump on my temple.
I'm used to it now.
I will do all the return-to-play protocols and hopefully get the deal to train next week. ”
With, in focus, the will to be present on the lawn to face France, "the best team in Europe currently".
Blues who, unfortunately, would not fail to test it.
One more time…
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