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Though many feel the 2019 World Cup could be Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton’s final chapter, the 32-year-old still has his sights set a little further down the track.
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Sexton is looking to round off his two successful outings in a Lions shirt with a series victory in South Africa in 2021, by which time he will be 35 years old.
During an appearance on Irish radio show The Ray D’arcy Show, Sexton shed light on what he still hopes to accomplish as his career approaches its end.
“The World Cup and then to try to get on a third Lions tour,” Sexton said.
“I’d be 35, which as an out-half wouldn’t be a crazy age to get picked. Obviously there are a lot of young guys coming through and staying ahead of them would be the big challenge.
“Trying to keep improving is the big motivation for me. I think there is a lot more in me and hopefully I can keep improving over the next number of years.”
If Sexton were to play for the Lions at 35, he still wouldn’t be the oldest, with Englishman Neil Back holding the honour after turning out against the All Blacks aged 36.
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Sexton also revealed that he draws inspiration from ageless NFL legend Tom Brady, who earlier this year set the record for most passing yards in a Super Bowl at the ripe age of 40, and has claimed two NFL titles after turning 37.
Stuart Lancaster, Sexton’s coach at Leinster, introduced the Irishman to the American football star, with whom he has since obsessed over.
“We have some great influences with the coaches in Ireland and at Leinster with Stuart Lancaster, he has got me obsessed with Tom Brady,” Sexton said.
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“I didn’t know Tom Brady myself about a year ago. I didn’t watch any American football but he is the most successful quarterback in the history of the NFL. Stuart Lancaster has got me convinced I’m going to play ’til I’m 40 and my wife is going mad.
“I’m reading up on him and trying to figure out how to prolong my career as long as possible.”
