O’Gara Recalls Incredible Sexton Story Ahead Of Likely World Player Of The Year Accolade
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Respect is earned, not given.
In the beginning Ronan O’Gara and Johnny Sexton didn’t exactly get on. Two world class outhalves from two different provinces – battling it out for one green jersey.
But as the years went on that rivalry turned into respect, and who would have thought they would cross rugby paths once again following O’Gara’s retirement when Sexton joined Racing 92.
The pair developed an ever greater bond at the French side, and are now very close friends. So close that Sexton packed his family into the car the day O’Gara was leaving for New Zealand and went on a 650km round trip – just to shake his hand.
In a lovely tribute to Sexton on Twitter last night ahead of his likely World Player of the Year award, O’Gara had nothing but nice things to to say about the man he once called a bitter rival, recalling the wonderful story.
The man in line to win WPOTY tomorrow night deserves it not only for his on field qualities but also for his off field.Never had it easy,played AIL for years,nearly lost his Leinster contract but kept persevering. A brilliant player, but a better person with great values.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) November 24, 2018
Example. Heard I was moving early to NZ. 90% of people text or on a good day ring!!JS piles his family into the car on a day he should be kicking to do a 650km tround trip to wish me well and shake my hand.Didn’t need to but did… #champ#leader # deserved
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) November 24, 2018