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Johnny Sexton to make dramatic return to Ireland set-up?
By Neil Fissler
Johnny Sexton has being linked with a return to rugby as the new Ireland skills and kicking coach, a move that would be his first coaching job in the game.
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Sexton called time on an illustrious playing career after Ireland were knocked out of the Rugby World Cup in October 2023 and was soon linked with a job within the Irish set-up when attack coach Mike Catt said that he was leaving.
Then IRFU high-performance director David Nucifora said: “He has got to decide what floats his boat over the next period of time, but if he ever chose to come back into coaching, the Irish system would be mad to say no to him.”
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The Leinster, Ireland and Bristish and Irish Lions legend, who clocked up over 1,100 points in Test rugby, opted for a career outside the sport as commercial manager for a multi-billion pound glass and metal company, Ardagh Group.
Ireland will have a new-look coaching set-up after Catt left in the summer to join the NSW Waratahs as an assistant coach. The 39-year-old Sexton was linked with being Catt’s replacement until Andrew Goodman stepped in to replace him for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series on a contract that runs to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Simon Easterby will become Ireland interim head coach for the 2025 Guinness Six Nations and summer tour when Andy Farrell takes a sabbatical in December to prepare to take charge of the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia next summer.
Decorated Leinster legend Sexton could now decide that the time is right to take his first steps in coaching. Even on a part-time basis, it would be a hugely popular move with Ireland fans while he continues to work on his interests outside of rugby.
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Surely he is too close to the current players to be an effective coach at this point. Give him 5 years to learn how to coach at a lower level.
Perfect as referee liaison officer, such a role model example in every respect for this role…🤣🤣🤣
This is great news. Sexton has a massive amount of rugby IQ most of specific to the current Irish team. I am sure he will be able to take the step up from planning and devising attacks with himself as outhalf versus with others.
He also brings the passion and the experience of winning and losing. He will know the lessons from 2023 and be able to make sure they are learnt. I am talking about making sure we have adequate coaching resources for the task in hand. He will also demand the best for Ireland which is something we are lacking. SA and NZ demand the best behind the scenes for their countries while Ireland seem to be passive passengers in World Rugby decisions that hurt us. His outspokenness and strenght of character are major pluses.
not sure foul language makes a good coach .... maybe in the old days it did, but we are 2024 .....
Erasmus curses a lot?
Also, coaching doesn't occur in the heat of battle.
Knowing and conducting the Irish attack for 20 years is the major qualifier here.
Whiner in chief ? King of quarterfinals?
Youre really saying that after PSDT whining to the ref at full time in Durban trying to cheat Ireland out of the win?
Ah, lad!!!
You missed the Lions series in Oz and NZ, the IRE series wins in Oz and NZ?
The multiple European trophies? The multiple 6N titles and Grand slams? The 1100+ test PTS?
The world player of the year award while approaching his mid 30's?
Stay salty ya' langer.
O God