Johnny Sexton is close to signing a new contract with the IRFU. The Ireland captain's current deal runs out at the end of the season.
"I'm nearly there," said Sexton, before joking about the queue building behind for the number 10 jersey at Leinster.
"I'm waiting on Leinster to see if they want to keep me or not. They've got a few good young 10s coming through."
The 35-year-old also hinted that playing at the 2023 World Cup in France might be a step too far, saying that he "might not be part of the full cycle" for the tournament.
"If you look at what I said, it’s been other people that have sort of thrown fuel on the fire," said Sexton.
"Isa [Nacewa] telling people that I could play until I was 40,41.
"I’ve always been of the same position, where I absolutely love what I do. I’m very privileged to do it and I’m still loving it and I’ll keep playing for now.
"That has never changed, you know what I mean, like. I’ve spoken about admiration for athletes that have stayed at the top of their game for a long time but... what I said or what someone else said, it can get lost a bit, but for the moment I’m still motivated.
"I hope that my teammates and coaches see how motivated I am to train well every day and then to keep going and whenever that is, I can’t say I’m going to play [until a certain age] because no one knows.
"[You can be] 24 or 25 years of age, you get an injury and you’re finished, like then, you know what I mean so it’s, yeah, at the moment I am contracted for this season and nearly contracted for next season."
Sexton was guarded about his plans for a post-rugby career.
"None of the above," he said when asked if a role in rugby punditry or coaching would be in his future.
"I have a fair idea what I'll be doing. You never tell anyone your plans because they can change, can't they? I've got some things that I'll work towards over the next year or two years. I'll work towards getting into the real world, and starting another life.
"There are some parts of this game that are amazing, that you love, and you'd love to be a part of it forever. Then there are some parts that you can't wait to get a million miles away from it.
"I love it at the moment. I love every moment of playing. I just want to focus on this campaign. If I stay on next year, I'll just focus on that, and try to make the most of whatever is left.
"Hopefully, I’ll stay and we’ll see what happens."
See Also: 'Lovely Touch' From Kerry Legend Surprised Brian Fenton
