Bad news for Leinster.
A very good one for La Rochelle.
The international opener of the Irish club Johnny Sexton is forfeited for the semi-final of the European Rugby Cup on Sunday against La Rochelle, the Irish franchise announced on Tuesday.
Victim of a concussion on April 10, in the quarterfinals, the captain of Ireland (35 years old, 99 caps) "is still unavailable", wrote the Leinster on his website.
After a shock to the head, Sexton had to leave the field in the 28th minute of the European quarter-final against Exeter (34-22).
Leinster confirm Johnny Sexton will not return for the La Rochelle game this weekend due to his head injury.
Sexton will continue to be assessed as part of the Graduated Return to Play process.
- Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) April 27, 2021
"He continues to train and be evaluated as part of the gradual return to play process," the club explained.
Sexton is used to violent shocks: in 2014 and 2015 he was forced to several weeks of inactivity after a series of concussions in the club, with Racing 92, and with Ireland.
La Rochelle receives the Irish on Sunday, for the first European semi-final in its history.
Leinster has already won the European Rugby Cup four times (2009, 2011, 2012 and 2018).
Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of the @ChampionsCup game on Sunday against La Rochelle
Check out the full update
https://t.co/d88BV1xNKH#HeinekenChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/PcAJPoRIZH
- Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 27, 2021
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