Johnny Sexton’s Consultancy Role Brings ‘Real Positivity’ to Ireland Squad

Ireland’s defence coach, Simon Easterby, stated that Johnny Sexton, the former Ireland captain, has introduced “real positivity” to the team’s preparations for the autumn internationals through his role as a consultancy coach. Sexton rejoined the Ireland set-up after his retirement last year. Sexton, a legendary fly-half, concluded his playing career following last year’s World Cup but has been recalled to assist in the development of the current squad. Although Sexton does not hold an official position within Andy Farrell’s coaching staff, Easterby indicated that the Irish coaches are eager to leverage the expertise and experience of the 2018 World Player of the Year. Easterby, speaking from Ireland’s warm-weather training camp in Portugal, confirmed, “He has been involved, for a few days when we were in the HPC [High Performance Centre].” Easterby further elaborated on Sexton’s involvement, stating, “He’s definitely going to be involved over the next few weeks, transitioning in and out, lending his support to certain individuals within the team.” After Sexton’s retirement, Jack Crowley assumed the starting fly-half position for this year’s Six Nations. Leinster players Ciaran Frawley and Sam Prendergast are also part of the squad for the upcoming November Tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, and Australia. Given his expertise as an out-half, Sexton is expected to collaborate with the current number 10s, but Easterby mentioned that Ireland intends to “lean on him for other things” too. Easterby, who is set to become Ireland’s interim coach after the November series while Farrell leads the British and Irish Lions, added, “I think Johnny obviously having retired recently still has his finger on the pulse in terms of playing in that position in particular, playing in the 10 role.” He continued by explaining the value of Sexton’s involvement: “[It is] understanding what we do as a team and trying to impart some of that experience that he’s had across the last few years and the way we play the game. “And I know Jack Crowley’s obviously had time with us and so has Ciaran, Sam less so, but I think all those guys are like sponges. “They want to learn and they want to understand, they want to get know-how and then go out and try and put those things into practice. Johnny will just be able to give them a bit of guidance at times.” It is anticipated that Sexton’s presence will benefit the squad’s current fly-halves, such as Jack Crowley (left). Ireland’s last match was July’s two-Test series in South Africa, which concluded in a draw. In contrast, New Zealand has participated in a Rugby Championship and will have additional Tests against Japan and England completed before their arrival in Dublin. Despite this significant break between matches, Easterby affirmed that Ireland will not use it as an excuse as they aim to avenge their World Cup quarter-final defeat to the southern hemisphere giants last year. Easterby commented on the situation, stating, “We’ve always known that has been the case and that has always been our challenge whoever we play first up from the summer tour to now. “It is a big break for us, but it is important we don’t use that as any type of excuse. “We’re hitting the ground running, the lads have worked incredibly well so far to just shift their emphasis a little bit towards the national team, away from their provincial set-ups.”