JUST OVER 24 hours after being named in the team to face Italy in Ireland’s final outing in the 2013 Six Nations, Jonathan Sexton has been ruled out for up to six weeks.
The Leinster and Ireland out-half was set to return from the hamstring injury which limited him to just 112 minutes of action in the championship.
However, a torn tendon in his foot ended his involvement in the game.
Today, Ireland defence coach Anthony Foley said the issue would keep the number 10 out of action for between four to six weeks.
The extended lay-off will hamper Sexton’s chances for a Lions Test jersey and will also be a blow to Leinster as they look forward to a run in the Amlin Challenge Cup on top of the elusive Pro12 title.
A six week recovery would mean the Racing Metro-bound man aims to be back in action by the end of April. Should Leinster fail to make it past Wasps in the Challenge Cup quarter final, Sexton will only have a home tie with the Ospreys plus a possible RaboDirect Pro12 semi-final and final to prove his fitness to Warren Gatland.
Any setback in his recovery could mean that Leinster fans have already seen the last of the man who kicked them to three Heineken Cup victories.
