Former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton has opened up on life after rugby, reflecting on his glittering playing career and the move into a new chapter beyond the pitch.
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Sexton, who boasts a remarkable 118 appearances for his country and a record-breaking 1,108 points, reminisced about his toughest opponents and notable teammates, shedding light on his personal and professional journey.
Reflecting on his formidable adversaries, Sexton singled out rugby icons Richie McCaw and Paul O’Connell as his most challenging opponents. He lauded their relentless determination, acknowledging the difficulty of overcoming their formidable presence on the field.
Sexton remarked, “Richie McCaw or Paul O’Connell. Just hard and relentless. Hard to be on a winning team against them.”
Conversely, when asked about his most esteemed teammates, Sexton praised the contributions of Paul O’Connell, Felipe Contepomi, and Brian O’Driscoll, citing their individual brilliance and camaraderie.
He added, “Paul O’Connell, Felipe Contepomi and Brian O’Driscoll. All great for different reasons.”
During the engaging Q&A session, Sexton also shared glimpses into his rugby upbringing, citing Stephen Larkham and Jonny Wilkinson as childhood heroes, with Contepomi later earning his admiration in his professional career.
He revealed, “Stephen Larkham, Jonny Wilkinson and in much later years Felipe Contepomi.”
Following his retirement from the sport, Sexton has embarked on a new chapter in his life, leveraging his Bachelor of Commerce degree earned from University College Dublin in 2012.
Embracing his transition from the rugby pitch to the corporate world, Sexton now serves as a commercial manager for a prominent glass and metal company, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability beyond the realm of sports.
EDITORS PICKS:
2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England get tough group
Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:
Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Pool A
New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Pool B
South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.
Pool C
Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.
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