10.

The last time the British and Irish Lions took on Australia back in 2013, Johnny Sexton was the man at fly-half as the touring side secured a 2-1 series win.

Now with the next chapter between the two sides less than a year away, the big question is who will be the talisman at 10 as the Lions look to get back to winning ways following defeat in South Africa just over three years ago.

Sexton missed out on that tour despite being a part of Warren Gatland’s squad in 2013 and 2017, and he has expressed his disappointment once again in his new autobiography which hits shelves soon.

But with his former Ireland boss Andy Farrell set to lead the Lions in 2025, is there hope for Sexton if he dusts off the boots?

“When Andy [Farrell] got the job as Lions coach [for the 2025 tour to Australia], I texted him and said, ‘If I play for my club, would you consider me?’ He just wrote back, ‘No.’ So I’d say he’s glad to see the back of having to deal with me every day,” Sexton told The Times.

Jokes aside, the retired former Ireland captain has backed Owen Farrell to start at fly-half next year, even though he stepped down from England duty ahead of this year’s Six Nations.

“I’d pick Owen Farrell,” he said.

“Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals. I know who the media would want. Finn Russell, Marcus Smith…”

“Marcus, I think, is a generational talent. I actually wouldn’t really include him. He looks flashy, but I think he manages the game really well.

“I think he can light up a game. But for me, I’d like Owen. He can do some remarkable things.”

Sexton added that he believes Farrell should still be playing for and captaining England:

“He’s someone that should be playing international rugby still and captaining England. I have nothing but admiration for him. When you know him as a person, you see the real Owen Farrell.”