Luke Marshall has been told to withdraw from Ireland’s summer tour of North America, following repeated concussions suffered towards the end of this season.

Marshall has not played since the Heineken Cup game with Saracens, last month. During that game he was removed following a clash of heads which left him concussed. It followed shortly after two previous concussions, received playing against France and Italy in the Six Nations.

Marshall enjoyed an excellent season, winning the RaboDirect Pro12 Young Player of the Season award, as well as earning three test caps for Ireland.

"Maybe a couple more knocks on the head so soon after the ones I've had could lead to problems," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"Basically, I've been told to take the summer off and come back next season.

"I don't think the medics are too worried,” he added.
"Obviously they wouldn't want me to be getting another couple of bangs for a while, but I think it's just precautionary.

"I haven't had any headaches or dizziness and my balance is all right so that's all good.

"While every Ireland game is important, some are more important than others and I think they reckoned it wouldn't be the end of the world if I missed these couple at the end of the season.”

Image: Ireland's Luke Marshall injured with physio James Allen and doctor Eanna Falvey
©INPHO/James Crombie