Ireland rugby captain Johnny Sexton has described comments from a French doctor about his concussion record as “inappropriate”, “inaccurate” and “upsetting” for his family.
The fly half is going through return-to-play protocols ahead of the Six Nations match against France on Sunday after suffering a head knock in the 21-16 loss to Wales at the weekend.
Speaking on French radio station RMC Sport, Dr Jean-Francois Chermann said he ordered that Sexton be stood down from rugby for 12 weeks due to repeated brain injuries when the fly half was a Racing 92 player in 2014.
The neurologist said on Tuesday he believed 35-year-old Sexton has sustained around 30 concussions during his career and expressed concern about him rushing back into action.
Sexton was visibly angered as he hit back at the comments during a news conference.
“I am pretty saddened and shocked by the inaccurate reports that were thrown out yesterday,” he said.
“It’s very frustrating … I just think it’s totally inappropriate that a doctor that I have seen – many years ago now – felt it was appropriate to come out and talk to whoever it was and say those things.
“It’s inaccurate and highly inappropriate and I am pretty disappointed.
“For me, I am so used to it, it’s almost like water off a duck’s back, but for my wife and mum it’s very upsetting. But that’s the world we live in.”
Sexton, who played for French team Racing from 2013-15, questioned what happened to “patient and doctor confidentiality.”
He was forced off for the final 10 minutes of the game in Cardiff after hitting his head on the knee of Wales flanker Justin Tipuric.
Along with Ireland vice captain James Ryan, who was also forced off at the Principality Stadium, Sexton is going through phased protocols in order to be available for the France game.
“I trust the medical guys here,” he said.
Sexton is often the centre of attention ahead of matches between Ireland and France because of his short spell in French rugby.
© AAP
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