Leinster open to Sexton break

Leinster hope to have Johnny Sexton available for the Champions Cup clash with Northampton on December 9.

Sexton struggled with a hamstring injury during the early part of the season and was forced off during the first half of Ireland's defeat to New Zealand on November 19 after suffering a fresh injury.

He was forced to sit out last Saturday's win over Australia and afterwards Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt intimated that he would speak to Leinster about the possibility of giving the 31-year-old an extended break from the game.

Discussions are likely to take place between Leinster and the IRFU in the coming weeks but the province's backs coach Girvan Dempsey hopes to have Sexton available for the back-to-back European clashes.

"I'd imagine discussions will take place, potentially between Leo (Cullen, Leinster head coach) and Joe about the best course of action," Dempsey is quoted as saying in the Irish Independent.

"From my perspective that is a smart thing to do. No matter what player is under our care, we want to make sure he receives the best medical care, the best player welfare.

"We're hopeful that he could be back available depending on how the rehab goes this week and early into next week, that he could be available for selection for Northampton. That's our target.

"Depending on him meeting the criteria and ticking the boxes of his return-to-play stuff for next week, we're hopeful that he will be back on the field and, potentially, in line for selection for Northampton."

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