The Sexton case does not scandalize the XV of France

First an update.

While Jonathan Sexton did not follow a concussion protocol in Cardiff on Sunday, he was not exempt from the return-to-play clearance process. His exit being considered an obvious concussion, he did not have to submit to evaluation.

On the other hand, Ireland's opening half had to take an exam within three hours of this meeting (HIA2) and will have to retake another (HIA3) between 48 and 72 hours after this one.

If he meets these two appointments constituting the "gradual return to play", he has the legal right to start a match after six days after the one in question.

In this case, he will be well suited to face the XV of France next Sunday in Dublin.

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KO against Wales, Sexton does not give up facing the Blues

If the regulations are therefore properly applied, the “ethical” question remains.

The player has a history - around ten concussions and, already on two occasions, the obligation to observe 12 weeks of rest -, and, given the knowledge now acquired on the consequences (dementia, Parkinson's, etc.) in the medium and long term of repeated concussions, one is legitimately entitled to be worried about the health of the player.

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Personally, if I had really suffered a knockout or a very big shock against Italy, I would have left my place this weekend

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Julien Marchand, hooker of the XV of France

Asked Tuesday at a press conference on this emerging controversy, the Blues were cautious, refusing to settle the question.

"If the player is knocked out after having already suffered several shocks, it is of course not good to continue to play him, recognizes Toulouse hooker Julien Marchand.

We are beginning to know the damage that this causes.

Personally, if I had really suffered a knockout or a very big shock against Italy, I would have left my place this weekend.

But no one is in his place.

It is therefore difficult to answer for him.

Maybe he just got hit on the head and it's okay… ”

The back of the XV of France, Brice Dulin, who rubbed shoulders with Jonathan Sexton when he was playing in Racing 92, highlights the supposed seriousness of the guides.

“We are very well followed.

There are medical staff who monitor, independent doctors who follow.

Doctors have prerogatives over the health of players.

This is the first decision argument.

Then Sexton has a lot of experience.

If he decides he feels capable of it, then he is.

If the doctors give him the opportunity, he is of legal age.

He's old enough to know if he can do it… ”

If Sexton were to resume a blow to the head against the French ...

Gabin Villière, he did not wish to answer on the merits.

The RCT winger was content to say that his presence or absence would not change the determination of the Blues.

“There is nothing to think about.

It's the same for us whether he's there or not.

It will be necessary to put all the ingredients, in particular in the intensity.

We are not looking into his case.

It's the Irishman's problem… ”Which could become that of many more people - we think especially of World Rugby which has made the health of the players a priority - if by any chance Jonathan Sexton were to take a big shock. at the head against the French Sunday in Dublin.

We remember that Mathieu Bastareaud, twice, and Louis Picamoles had left him in a recent past groggy on the ground after heavy impacts.

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