1
Sexton slams French doctor's claim that he has suffered '30 concussions'
By PA
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has branded comments from a French doctor about his concussion record as “inaccurate” and “highly inappropriate”. The fly-half is going through return-to-play protocols ahead of Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France after suffering a head knock in last weekend's 21-16 defeat to Wales in Cardiff.
Neurologist Dr Jean-Francois Chermann, who recommended Sexton be stood down from rugby for twelve weeks when he was a Racing 92 player in 2014 due to repeated brain injuries, said in an interview with French radio station RMC Sport on Tuesday that the 35-year-old had sustained “30 concussions” throughout his career but he has since retracted that comment and apologised.
“As regards Sexton, we cannot say for certain that he has had 30 concussions,” Chermann told RMC Sport on Wednesday. “I should never have cited this figure without any explanation and I regret the wrong I have done to the player who was my patient and who I respect more than anyone.”
Ireland talisman Sexton was visibly angered as he hit back at the initial remarks during an emotionally-charged press conference. “I'm pretty saddened and shocked by the inaccurate reports that were thrown out yesterday [Tuesday] “It’s inaccurate and highly inappropriate and I'm pretty disappointed but I am so used to it. It’s almost like water off a duck’s back to me, but for my wife and mum it’s very upsetting.”
Jean Chazal, another French neurosurgeon and concussion specialist, agreed with Dr Chermann’s comments. “I thought there was a patient and doctor confidentiality, I'm pretty sure that exists in the world,” said Sexton. “I just can’t get over the fact someone thought it was appropriate to just come out of nowhere and start saying things that weren’t even accurate, that is the most hurtful thing.”
Sexton said he remains on course to be fit to feature against France and has full trust in Ireland’s medical staff. “I have just got to focus on this week and the return to play and, if I don’t pass one of those stages, I won’t play,” he said. “If I do, I will be fit to play and whether I play or not is down to the coaches then. I trust the medical guys here. They look after us incredibly well and I will continue to trust them.”
Sexton has regularly become the centre of attention ahead of meetings between Ireland and France due to his short spell in French rugby. Should he be ruled out of the game, Leinster team-mate Ross Byrne or Ulster’s Billy Burns would deputise in the number 10 jersey.
“It seems to be always the French game coming up that something happens, whether it’s before or after,” Sexton said. “You get used to dealing with these type of things when you are the captain of your country. It’s a privileged position to be in. Sometimes it can wear down on you and you need to be reminded that there’s a lot of people that would swap in for your job, so try and enjoy it, despite all of the speculation and attention.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
SCW really dislikes Eddie, doesn't he?
His words in 2019 before the RWC final that he now says should have resulted in Eddie's firing:
"Was Saturday’s sensational World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand England’s greatest ever performance? Yes, unquestionably, would be my answer."
So let's fire the coach one game later? Duh!
Go to commentsIreland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
Go to comments