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Johnny Sexton eyes 2021 Lions tour

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Though many feel the 2019 World Cup could be Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton’s final chapter, the 32-year-old still has his sights set a little further down the track.

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Sexton is looking to round off his two successful outings in a Lions shirt with a series victory in South Africa in 2021, by which time he will be 35 years old.

During an appearance on Irish radio show The Ray D’arcy Show, Sexton shed light on what he still hopes to accomplish as his career approaches its end.

“The World Cup and then to try to get on a third Lions tour,” Sexton said.

“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.”

If Sexton were to play for the Lions at 35, he still wouldn’t be the oldest, with Englishman Neil Back holding the honour after turning out against the All Blacks aged 36.

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Sexton also revealed that he draws inspiration from ageless NFL legend Tom Brady, who earlier this year set the record for most passing yards in a Super Bowl at the ripe age of 40, and has claimed two NFL titles after turning 37.

Stuart Lancaster, Sexton’s coach at Leinster, introduced the Irishman to the American football star, with whom he has since obsessed over.

“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 said.

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“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.”

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Phantom 39 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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