Rough Johnny Sexton injury news tempers Ireland’s victory buzz

Patrick McCarry

A chance for the deputies to thrash it out.

Johnny Sexton has led Ireland to a string of impressive performances, and wins, this year, but he will miss the last Test of 2021. He will miss several other games too.

The Leinster and Ireland captain left the pitch going into the final quarter of the victory over New Zealand, on Saturday. He initially left for a Head Injury Assessment and did not return, but the IRFU has confirmed other knocks have ruled him out.

Releasing a squad update, ahead of Tuesday media rotations, the union confirmed Sexton may be out until the turn of the year. The full statement reads:

‘Captain Johnny Sexton twisted a knee and ankle against New Zealand at the weekend which will rule him out of action for between 4-6 weeks. The Ireland captain will remain with the squad this week as the team prepares for the game against Argentina.

Connacht’s Jack Carty has joined the Ireland squad for the final week of the Autumn Nations Series. Gavin Coombes returns to the squad having missed last week through illness.’

The importance of Sexton to Ireland’s 2022 Six Nations chances, and Joey Carbery’s role in the squad, was discussed on the latest House of Rugby URC [LISTEN from 17:15 below] by Leinster and Argentina legend Felipe Contepomi.

Leinster will miss Johnny Sexton for some big games

While Ireland should be able to cope okay with Sexton’s absence from Sunday’s game against Argentina – Joey Carbery is favourite to start – Leinster will be rueing their captain’s injury.

Harry Byrne is back fit again so he will be contesting with his brother, Ross, for a starting slot, while Ciarán Frawley could slot back into outhalf, from midfield, if needed.

Leinster may have to start planning for their Champions Cup pool games, in December, without Sexton.

The Ireland team to face Argentina, meanwhile, is expected to be named on Friday afternoon.