Ireland back-row Simon Easterby fears he may be forced out of the Six Nations double-header with Wales and England after sustaining a nasty head injury against Leicester at the weekend.
Easterby came off worst in a collision with Lewis Moody at Welford Road on Saturday, as Llanelli suffered a 12-9 defeat in their opening Heineken Cup clash.
The Harrogate-born player received a blow to the head as he attempted to tackle the England man and needed lengthy treatment before being helped from the field.
He recovered enough to take his place in the stand for the second half, but will take neurologists advice before taking the pitch again.
"I have seen the incident on video but I can't remember it actually happening," said the former Leeds man. "Apparently my eyes were open and it looked like I was conscious but I didn't move my arms or legs when I was asked."
Under International Rugby Board guidelines, Easterby will not be allowed to play for 21 days if concussion is confirmed.
That will see him miss Llanelli's clash with Perpignan on Friday, as well as his country's trip to the Millennium Stadium to face Wales on October 10.
It would however leave him free to face England in Dublin a week later, although Easterby , who missed all last season with a knee ligament injury, is adamant he will not risk his health for an international cap. "At least I haven't sustained any serious damage to my neck and back," he said. "That is more important than two internationals. It is not as bad as it could have been."