Johnny Sexton Is Planning On Sticking Around A Lot Longer Than Expected
Latest posts by Will Matthews (see all)
- Brian O’Driscoll names his ‘Top 5’ Irish Rugby players of all-time - November 15, 2024
- Autumn Nations Series – All the action from Ireland vs Argentina & more - November 15, 2024
- Irish Rugby’s greatest captains: leaders who defined an era - November 15, 2024
Going nowhere.
One of the arguments against Joey Carbery or Ross Byrne leaving Leinster for Ulster at the end of the season, has been that Johnny Sexton will ‘likely’ wind down after next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Sexton turns 33 over the summer, and will be 34 by the time the Rugby World Cup finishes next year. But it appears he has no plans to ‘wind down’ and reckons he can play on the 2021 Lions tour and beyond.
“The World Cup and then to try to get on a third Lions tour,” Sexton told the The Ray D’arcy show on RTE Radio 1
“I’d be 35, which as an out-half wouldn’t be a crazy age to get picked. Obviously there are a lot of young guys coming through and staying ahead of them would be the big challenge. Trying to keep improving is the big motivation for me. I think there is a lot more in me and hopefully I can keep improving over the next number of years.”
Sexton says he’s become obsessed with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who recently turned 40 and is still competing at the highest level in NFL.
“We have some great influences with the coaches in Ireland and at Leinster with Stuart Lancaster, he has got me obsessed with Tom Brady,” Sexton added.
“I didn’t know Tom Brady myself about a year ago. I didn’t watch any American football but he is the most successful quarterback in the history of the NFL. Stuart Lancaster has got me convinced I’m going to play ’til I’m 40 and my wife is going mad.
“I’m reading up on him and trying to figure out how to prolong my career as long as possible.”
