Jonathan Sexton has suffered fractured jaw

Jonathan Sexton has suffered a fracture to his jaw during Saturday night's 17-10 victory over Toulon in the French Top 14.

The Lions, Ireland and Racing Metro 92 outhalf was targeted physically during the game, not always legitimately, as was the case when he was hit, late and high in a tackle where the perpetrator, Toulon's South African born hooker, Craig Burden didn't use his arms in a wrapping motion.

It sparked a melee but Burden received just a yellow card for the incident. Sexton, who kicked two conversions, was replaced on 50 minutes by Johan Goosen. The Dubliner also picked up a heavy blow to the shoulder amongst other bruises.

Racing Metro clarified this morning that Sexton suffered a fracture that will keep him sidelined for six weeks.

This will come as something of a relief to Ireland coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the November test series against Australia, Georgia and South Africa as his first choice outhalf will be back in time.

French newspaper Midi Olympique claims that Sexton is due to meet Racing Metro owner, Jacky Lorenzetti today as the latter attempts to persuade him to accept a four-year contract extension to remain in the French capital.