Back in business.

Former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is back in the world of professional rugby after landing a coaching role.

The former World Player of the Year has been helping out with Ireland ahead of the Autumn Nations Series fixtures against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia this month.

Sexton hung up his boots after the Rugby World Cup in France last year and looks set to be involved with Ireland for the immediate future.

“He has been involved, for a few days when we were in the HPC [High Performance Centre],” Ireland coach Simon Easterby said.

“He’s definitely going to be involved over the next few weeks, transitioning in and out, lending his support to certain individuals within the team.”

It was initially reported that Sexton was brought in to assist the 10s but Easterby says Ireland will “lean on him for other things” as well.

“I think Johnny obviously having retired recently still has his finger on the pulse in terms of playing in that position in particular, playing in the 10 role,” added Easterby

“[It is] understanding what we do as a team and trying to impart some of that experience that he’s had across the last few years and the way we play the game.

“And I know Jack Crowley’s obviously had time with us and so has Ciaran, Sam less so, but I think all those guys are like sponges.

“They want to learn and they want to understand, they want to get know-how and then go out and try and put those things into practice. Johnny will just be able to give them a bit of guidance at times.”