Leinster opener Johnny Sexton against Lyon in the European Cup, 23 November 2019 at Lyonromain Lafebreg

The Irish franchise announced on Tuesday that Leinster International opener Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of Sunday’s European Rugby Cup semi – final against La Rochelle.

On April 10, in a quarter-final, the Ireland captain (35, 99 caps) “still not available”, Leinster wrote on his website.

After a head injury, Sexton came out on top against Exeter (34-22) in the 28th minute of the European quarter-finals.

“He continues to train and is evaluated as part of a gradual play process,” the club explained.

“Johnny is one of the best players in the world. We want him to play, but he’s a replacement for Rose Byrne. He’s a great replacement.

Sexton is used for violent shocks: after several harassments at the club in 2014 and 2015, he was forced into several weeks of inactivity with Racing 92 and Ireland.

La Rochelle won the Irish on Sunday for the first European semi-final in history. Leinster has already won the European Rugby Cup four times (2009, 2011, 2012, 2018).

“The experience is obvious, but I think, in our last semi – final in France, against Clermont, we lost it. Center Gary Ringross and second-row striker James Ryan will recover from injury.