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Ireland outside-half Johnny Sexton has been urged to consider quitting the game after the latest blow to the head that threatens to rule him out of the Six Nations opener against Wales.

Sexton was taken off during Leinster's defeat to Wasps on Saturday after being hurt in a clash of heads with opposing centre Brendan Macken.

It was the latest in a series of serious head injuries suffered by the Lions star, who was stood down for 12 weeks after suffering four concussions in quick succession in 2014. He also took a heavy blow to the head playing against France at the recent Rugby World Cup.

Following the latest incident, Ireland have been warned they face the wrath of the medical community if they select Sexton to face Wales on February 7, with respected Irish pundit George Hook telling Sexton he should consider quitting in his column for the Irish Independent.

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"Johnny Sexton's concussion could be catastrophic for player, province and country. This is no ordinary brain injury," he said.

"Sexton's history in this area is deeply worrying for everybody concerned about the well-being of this young man."

"Sexton's tackling technique is deeply flawed, as he carries his head too high at the tackle, leaving him exposed to heavy hits - the forearm smash by Mathieu Bastareaud being the perfect example.

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"The latest brain injury could be career-defining for Ireland's No 10 and will not easily be overlooked by him passing 'the protocols'.

"Even Ireland's notoriously reticent medical community might find its voice if Sexton plays against Wales.

"What price is the 30-year-old prepared to put on his future health? How many more blows to the head is he prepared to take in the name of professional sport?

"Maybe it's time he gave serious consideration to cashing in his insurance policy and leaving rugby with his faculties still intact."

Ireland are yet to confirm whether Sexton will be available for selection for the Welsh clash, with all the Six Nations squads meeting up this week ahead of the big kick off on Saturday, February 6. Ireland host Wales the following day in Dublin.

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