Johnny Sexton has revealed his snub from the British and Irish Lions in 2021 is one of the driving factors behind his impressive form.
At the age of 37, Johnny Sexton has shown no signs of slowing down, with his performances earning him a nomination for World player of the year, where he captained Ireland to a triple crown and a historic series win in New Zealand.
The Leinster fly-half confirmed earlier this year that this would be his last season in professional rugby, as he would be retiring from the game after next year's rugby World Cup.
Sexton On Possible Retirement
However, speaking ahead of Ireland’s final game of the year against Australia on Saturday, he hinted that he may continue his incredible legacy past the tournament.
“You guys caught me by surprise when I announced the extension, I thought it was a good news story, and then does this mean you’re retiring after? Like you can’t get rid of me quick enough.
I genuinely didn’t expect that question in the first place, and I hadn’t prepared for it, and I kind of thought is it not kind of obvious? I just need to concentrate on what’s ahead of me, and that’s all I am doing, concentrating on this season and trying to make the most of every opportunity I get.”
Johnny Sexton Lions Snub
Johnny Sexton was a controversial exclusion for the British and Lions tour of South Africa in 2021, despite being the in-form fly-half in Europe at the time. Owen Farrell, Dan Bigger, Finn Russell and Marcus Smith were all picked ahead of Sexton, as they lost the series 2-1.
At the time, Warren Gatland had concerns over Sexton’s fitness and ability to play a number of games in a short period of time, but Sexton has proved the former Wales manager wrong with some brilliant performances in the last 18 months.
Had Sexton been included, it could have been a different outcome for the Lions. Since Sexton was denied the opportunity of a third Lions tour, he has used this disappointment to fuel his motivation behind his good form.
“The Lions selection in 2021 still drives me to this day. Any time I feel I’m getting a bit ahead of myself I just think back to not being picked for that.
To miss the chance to go on a Lions tour. I’ve still never been to South Africa in how many years playing rugby. I’ve never been, but it’s going to be that tour.
The coaches thought that I wasn’t the right person for the job, and that’s life. You got to get over it. But you’ve got to use it.”
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