International Rugby Ireland's old guard nearing end... but key trio still needed
View all Johnny Sexton newsSuccession planning is at an advanced stage but certain players will be needed for a while longer yet.
Jonathan Sexton is one of the most exciting fly-halves in world rugby. He has emerged as one of the key figures at Leinster and was inspirational in both of their recent Heineken Cup triumphs, scoring 28 points as his side came from behind to beat Northampton in 2011. He played a similarly important role in Ireland's demolition of England at the end of the 2011 Six Nations. Sexton made his Ireland debut in 2009 against Fiji and was inducted into the RugbyPass Hall of Fame in 2021.
Succession planning is at an advanced stage but certain players will be needed for a while longer yet.
Former Ireland scrumhalf Peter Stringer has pinpointed England as Ireland's main competitors going forward, following a closely contested Six Nations campaign.