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.<\/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 EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England get tough group<\/p>\n Each of the six pools\u00a0featured\u00a0a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.<\/p>\n The confirmed Bands based on rankings\u00a0were:<\/p>\n Band 1:\u00a0South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina 2027 Rugby World Cup draw:<\/p>\n Pool A<\/p>\n New Zealand\u00a0\u2013 Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ. Pool B<\/p>\n South Africa\u00a0\u2013 Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient\u2014never count them out. Pool C<\/p>\n Argentina\u00a0\u2013 Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit. CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
Band 2:\u00a0Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3:\u00a0Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4:\u00a0Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada<\/p>\n
Australia\u00a0\u2013 Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile\u00a0\u2013 Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China\u00a0\u2013 Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.<\/p>\n
Italy\u00a0\u2013 Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia\u00a0\u2013 Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania\u00a0\u2013 Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.<\/p>\n
Fiji\u00a0\u2013 Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain\u00a0\u2013 Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada\u00a0\u2013 Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.<\/p>\n