Ireland, Leinster's Jamie Heaslip suffers head injury

Omnisports 09:00 - 09 January 2016

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Inspirational number eight Jamie Heaslip suffered a head injury playing for Leinster just four weeks before Ireland's Six Nations opener.

Jamie Heaslip gave Ireland an injury scare ahead of the Six Nations when he suffered a head injury during Leinster's Pro12 win over Ospreys on Friday.

The number eight was forced off the field with blood coming out of his mouth early on at the Liberty Stadium in a 22-9 victory which put Leo Cullen's side top of the table.

Heaslip was not allowed to return to the fray after failing to pass a head injury assessment, which will be a concern for Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt.

Schmidt will be hoping the 32-year-old British and Irish Lion, mentioned as a possible successor to Paul O'Connell as captain of his country, can recover in time for the Six Nations opener against Wales on February 7.

Dave Kearney scored two tries as three-times European champions Leinster extended their winning run in the Pro12 to seven matches.