Ireland captain Johnny Sexton admits that frustration can build over a series of head injury assessments (HIA) but says he's in good hands when it comes to medical treatment.
The Leinster out-half has been removed from play three times since February for HIAs, once for Ireland against Wales in the Six Nations, and twice for Leinster in successive games in the Pro14 and in the Champions Cup.
The 35-year-old, who was stood down for three months back in 2014 when playing for Racing 92 in France following a number of head injuries, did not return to play after any of the incidents.
"There can be [too much discussion]. It can be frustrating at times because you go off for a HIA and sometimes you get told to stay off and you are fine to continue or you feel you are fine to continue," Sexton, speaking on RTÉ’s Late Late Show as an ambassador for Debra Ireland, an epidermolysis bullosa skin condition charity, said.
Ireland and Leinster Rugby legend and @debraireland ambassador, @JohnnySexton says he's to delighted to see @SimonZebo
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) April 16, 2021
coming back to @Munsterrugby but isn't sure what welcome he'll get in The RDS 👀
To donate to @debraireland, please visit: https://t.co/9R6PnsIWOi#LateLate pic.twitter.com/lL5oaoQggr
"But if the doctor suspects something he’ll keep you off and then that can lead to all sorts of speculation and talking and that can be frustrating.
"You can be perfectly healthy but I suppose you get labelled with one term or another.
"That can be frustrating, and it can be dangerous because it can maybe encourage some players to play on when they are not right."
However, the 2018 world player of the year believes that Ireland is a leading light when it comes to preventative and precautionary measures against head injuries.
"It’s incredible really," he said.
"I think Ireland are at the forefront of everything that’s going on with leading the charge against concussion.
"It’s obviously a very serious issue and one that we take incredible serious in Leinster and Ireland and yeah, I don’t think there’s much more we could be doing.
"I think the lawmakers are doing everything they can to make the game as safe as possible.
"Of course, it’s a physical sport and things happen but it’s getting safer and safer, I think."
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