Leinster targeting Northampton Saints clash for Johnny Sexton return

Leinster hope Jonathan Sexton will be available to face Northampton in the Champions Cup on December 9, despite Ireland coach Joe Schmidt’s calls for the fly-half to be given an extended period of rest to recover fully from his ongoing injury problems.

The province’s backs coach Girvan Dempsey accepts Schmidt has the power to overrule Leinster’s plans for Sexton.

And he acknowledged there will be discussions between Leinster and the IRFU in the coming weeks, emphasising that the player’s welfare will always be the priority.