Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is set to undergo surgery after suffering a cheekbone injury that threatens his involvement in the 2023 Six Nations.

The 37-year-old flyhalf was hurt during Leinster’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht in Dublin on Sunday.

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He has now been ruled out of next weekend’s URC clash against the Ospreys, and could also be doubtful for the start of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign away to Wales on 4 February.

“Sexton suffered a cheekbone injury during the game against Connacht Rugby and will have a procedure today and will be further assessed then,” Leinster said on Tuesday on the club’s website.

Sexton, who has won 109 Test caps, missed two of Ireland’s three Autumn Nations internationals this season because of injury.

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