Big season ahead.

Johnny Sexton is as motivated as ever as he looks to get off the ground running this season after a stop-start campaign last time round.

The talented playmaker struggled with injury for much of last season and club and international level, but finished strongly, playing an integral role in the Lions series with New Zealand.

Sexton started at outhalf for the second and third Test, and while he will miss the opening month of the season after picking up wrist and ankle injuries, he’s already started pre-season with Leinster.

“(I’ve) started pre-season so things won’t hold me back too much. I’ll get a good block of work under my belt before the start of the season. Last year was obviously a pretty disruptive pre-season coming back from shoulder surgery. I just felt I didn’t get the block of work I needed in that summer. Hopefully this will stand to me a bit more and get the work that I need to get in.” Sexton said at the launch of the new Leinster jersey by Canterbury,

Sexton turned 32 last month, but is as motivated as ever. He cites the likes of Peter Stringer, Rory Best and Donncha O’Callaghan who are still playing at the top level well into their 30’s.

“But I feel hungry. Last season was a disappointment in many ways so I’m hungry and want to keep going. I can’t say how long for because no one knows. You see guys like Donncha O’Callaghan and Peter Stringer still going to their 40th and Rory Best playing on a Lions tour, turning 35 (next week) – he won’t thank me for telling people that – it gives you hope if you look after yourself.

[The42.ie]