Former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton, renowned for his illustrious rugby career, disclosed insights into his playing days and transition to a new profession. <\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, shedding light on his personal and professional journey.<\/p>\n Reflecting on his formidable adversaries, Sexton singled out rugby icons Richie McCaw and Paul O\u2019Connell as his most challenging opponents. He lauded their relentless determination, acknowledging the difficulty of overcoming their formidable presence on the field. <\/p>\n Sexton remarked, \u201cRichie McCaw or Paul O\u2019Connell. Just hard and relentless. Hard to be on a winning team against them.\u201d<\/p>\n Conversely, when asked about his most esteemed teammates, Sexton praised the contributions of Paul O\u2019Connell, Felipe Contepomi, and Brian O\u2019Driscoll, citing their individual brilliance and camaraderie. <\/p>\n He added, \u201cPaul O\u2019Connell, Felipe Contepomi and Brian O\u2019Driscoll. All great for different reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n He revealed, \u201cStephen Larkham, Jonny Wilkinson and in much later years Felipe Contepomi.\u201d<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u00a02026 Six Nations fixtures confirmed with England handed perfect start<\/p>\n The countdown is on. The 2026 Guinness Six Nations is set to roar into life with a blockbuster opener between\u00a0France and Ireland\u00a0on\u00a0Thursday 5th February. The reigning giants collide in a fixture that could shape the entire tournament from the off.<\/p>\n Saturday 7th February\u00a0sees a Super Saturday of sorts, as\u00a0Italy host Scotland\u00a0in Rome before\u00a0England welcome fierce rivals Wales\u00a0to Twickenham \u2014 now rebranded as the\u00a0Allianz Stadium. Expect fireworks.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s your complete, round-by-round breakdown of the\u00a02026 Six Nations fixtures:<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc9 ROUND 1<\/p>\n Thursday 5th February 2026 Saturday 7th February 2026 \ud83c\udfdf\ufe0f\u00a0England v Wales CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
\ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7\u00a0France v Ireland
\ud83d\udccd\u00a0Venue TBC
\ud83d\udd57 Kick-off: 8:10pm<\/p>\n
\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9\u00a0Italy v Scotland
\ud83d\udccd\u00a0Stadio Olimpico, Rome
\ud83d\udd51 Kick-off: 2:10pm<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd\u00a0Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
\ud83d\udd5f Kick-off: 4:40pm<\/p>\n