For nearly two decades Johnny Sexton was a main-stay of the Irish rugby set up and when the Leinster legend retired after last year's World Cup he left behind a gaping hole that's yet to be filled.
However, reports today have revealed that Sexton's time in the dark may be over, with IRFU management planning a sensational return for the 39-year-old.
It's been a busy few weeks for the former outhalf with the launch of his book Obsessed stirring up its fair share of controversy and dominating rugby headlines across the globe.
Despite Sexton revealing in his book that a now-infamous conversation with Jaco Peyper after the Champions Cup final had put him off coaching, the former Irish captain now looks set for a return to the Irish camp he left just over a year ago.
I think the experience has made one thing clearer to me: I wouldn’t go into coaching after retirement.
11 October 2023; Head coach Andy Farrell and Jonathan Sexton arrive for an Ireland Rugby media conference at Stade Omnisports des Fauvettes in Domont, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Johnny Sexton set for interesting role in Irish camp
Reports this morning from Gerry Thornley of the Irish Times have revealed that Johnny Sexton has been approached by Irish Rugby management to take on a part-time mentoring role with the Irish out halves.
As it stands, it's not envisaged that such a role would see Sexton become a member of Andy Farrell's coaching ticket, but rather work in an advisory role, working just with the out halves on their kicking and general play.
The appointment, if it happens, would see Sexton working alongside the likes of Ciaran Frawley and Jack Crowley who are currently tussling to become Sexton's full-time replacement.
While both Frawley and Crowley have some experience working with him, it is the man coined as Sexton's true successor, Sam Prendergast who may stand to gain the most by tapping Sexton's brain.
Prendergast started all three games on the recent Emerging Ireland tour, and since his breakthrough as the star of Ireland's Six Nations winning U20 team has long been viewed as the natural long-term successor to Sexton.
Whether this part-time coaching role will pave the way for Sexton to assume a more involved approach in the next few years is yet to be seen, however, having someone with his knowledge in the peripheries of the camp as Andy Farrell gets ready to leave for Lions duty can only be a good thing.
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