Connacht centre Dave McSharry will sit out the rest of the season due to concussion, after consulting with a specialist.

“Having sustained a number of concussions in the past 12 months, Dave McSharry has been reviewed by a specialist. He has been advised to undertake a period of rest from the game for the remainder of the current season” the province said today in a statement.

“Dave, who has a contract with Connacht for next season, will continue to train in a non-contact capacity with the squad.”

The 26-year-old had returned to action in December after recovering from a knee injury that had kept him out of action for nine months previously.

McSharry received a concussive blow in Connacht's clash with Newcastle Falcons in the Challenge Cup and has not featured for the province since.

Dave McSharry receives treatment during Connacht's Challenge Cup clash with Newcastle Falcons. Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie

McSharry joins Mike McCarthy who is also sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering concussion against France in the Six Nations.