It would appear touch and go whether Jonny Sexton will be available for Ireland's crucial Six Nations match against France.
The fly-half is currently in the midst of recovery from concussion and joined us on Off The Ball for a chat with Ger and our guest presenter Brian O'Driscoll.
"I'm feeling a lot better. It's week seven of the 12 weeks I've been told to take and I'm feeling better every week," said Sexton.
"It's around this week that [the doctor] told me I'd be feeling perfect and I'll be mad keen to get back into it."
He added that the symptoms were not that bad but that a run of concussions over the last year had precipitated the decision to take a significant period of time on the sidelines.
The out-half also confirmed that his return-to-play date is February 14th - the same day that Ireland play France in the Six Nations.
"If I want to be considered for that, I'd have to do some contact training. Even then, I don't know if the coaches would consider me, having not played for 12 weeks. I'll let them make that decision."
Brian also gave his take on Connacht's progress this season and reacted to the handshake and Dia Dhuit that the province use.
Leinster also had a policy of greetings during Joe Schmidt's tenure and Brian backed the idea.
"What's really great about it is it's engaging with everyone. That's what the idea of a handshake is, to engage, to make sure that guys you ordinarily would not talk to that you do go and say 'how are you doing,'" he said.
Sexton explained what it is like in France, although he hastily dismissed any notion that he and his Racing Metro kicking coach Ronan O'Gara greet each other with the traditional kiss on each cheek.
Brian also said he was surprised by JJ Hanrahan's decision to leave Munster for Northampton, while Sexton recalled being in a similar predicament when he was second fiddle to Felipe Contepomi at Leinster.
BOD also reversed praise for Leinster's up-and-coming back-row Jack Conan and analysed Luke Fitzgerald's chances of getting a starting spot for Ireland at the Six Nations.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
