Former captain and fly-half Johnny Sexton, who called time on his professional rugby career after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, may yet make a return to the Irish setup.
Despite initially turning down an approach from the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), there are indications that Sexton could assume a mentoring role.
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A Legendary Career Ends
The 39-year-old ended his illustrious playing career in the quarter-final defeat to the All Blacks, capping off a remarkable tenure that saw him earn 118 caps and score 1,108 points for Ireland. Post-World Cup, many speculated that Sexton would transition into coaching, but he has chosen a different path.
New Beginnings at Ardagh Group
Currently, Sexton is employed as the Chief of Staff at Ardagh Group, a leading producer of glass and metal packaging. While there have been whispers of his return to rugby, Sexton remains dedicated to his role within the company.
Potential Part-Time Role on the Horizon
However, a report by the Irish Times reveals that the IRFU management has reached out to Sexton about a potential part-time mentoring position. Although an agreement has yet to be finalized, he could start as early as November, providing insight and support during the upcoming Six Nations.
Supporting the Next Generation
If he accepts the role, Sexton is expected to work with Ireland’s inexperienced fly-halves, including Jack Crowley, Kieran Frawley, and Sam Prendergast. His focus would be on enhancing their place-kicking skills and offering advice across various aspects of the game. While he wouldn’t be with the squad full-time, he would dedicate a few hours each week to share the invaluable knowledge gained throughout his stellar career.
Filling a Coaching Gap
Notably, the Irish team currently lacks a specialist kicking coach, a gap Sexton could fill. This move wouldn’t be unprecedented; Dan Carter and Richie McCaw have both been seen at All Blacks training sessions, contributing their expertise to the current crop of players. As such, Sexton’s potential involvement could mark an exciting new chapter for both him and the Irish rugby landscape.
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International referees have named the worst players to referee, Sexton features
Well, we’ve discovered quotes from six of the world’s finest officials down the years who told stories about trying to control some of football’s bad boys.
Interestingly, one name cropped up on three occasions…
Matthew Carley – Steve Borthwick
On Borthwick: “A difficult question. When I first started refereeing in the Premiership Steve Borthwick was one of the guys who was pretty intimidating.
“He saw that everything was on ‘his terms, whether you like it or not’. He had such presence. I think you learn how to deal with people like that as a ref, but Steve Borthwick, was as tough as they come.”
Wayne Barnes – Joe Marler, Matt Dawson, Martin Johnson, Andy Goode, Richie McCaw
On Marler: “He was always a funny one on the field in nice way. You’d be trying to tell him something serious and he’d just want to have a laugh and a joke. But he does bring a smile to your face. That is what is unique about our sport, the interaction between players and refs and refs and coaches. It does show our sport off in a good light.”
On Dawson: “Scrum-halves are always the worst, especially Matt.”
On Johnson: “I was always petrified of Martin Johnson because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership.”
On Goode: “He always made me smile as he made me look athletic when we were on the same pitch. However, the humorous players always keep you on your toes and if they get opportunity to pick you up on a slight faux pas, they will. I once mentioned to Andy Goode that him and his team mates were all appealing for far too many decisions and told him that it sounded like there were 15 referees on the pitch. “And you’re not even in the top 10” was his reply.”
On McCaw: “I’ve been on the field with some of the great captains, John Smit, Sam Warburton and Richie McCaw. Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time, sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field. He knew the law book inside out and so when he asked a question, he often had a point.”
