Johnny Sexton, an Irish rugby great, has explained his decision to retire from the game after the Rugby World Cup.
Following Andy Farrell’s side’s 28-24 loss to the All Blacks in the World Cup quarterfinals last year, the legendary fly-half hung up his boots.
Sexton hasn’t taken the step towards coaching, despite the fact that many believed he would be perfect for one. After the world tournament, he was connected to a few jobs.
Rather, the 39-year-old has assumed the position of “Chief of Staff” and is employed by Ardagh Group, a manufacturer of metal and glass packaging.
After quitting rugby, the former playmaker started working part-time for the company in 2021, putting in one day a week. However, he has now secured a permanent post.
Although Sexton acknowledges he will “never say never” to going back to the sport, he and his family are content in Dublin.
“After playing rugby, I was struggling with what to do next.'” Thus, I had this chance in front of me,” he said in an interview with The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby podcast.
“Might I have continued playing the game? Most likely. I had a few talks, but nothing too serious. I asked them if they would be interested in joining in.
“I would have liked it if you had placed a pistol to my head, but I have three children, we live in Dublin, and they adore their grandparents and their schools.
“I also enjoy being in Dublin. With the exception of the two years I spent in Paris, I have lived there my entire life and I want to stay there.
“Leinster or Ireland are the only two teams in the world that you can coach, and you can’t do it immediately away. You must venture forth, pick up new skills, techniques, and cultural knowledge.
“I would be really set in my ways; those two teams’ coaches had shaped who I was.
“You should get dressed up. You have to return with some fresh ideas if I were to work with the players again; else, it would be useless for them.
A position in the media would have been a good fit for Sexton’s skills as well. The former playmaker, who was intelligent, talkative, and undoubtedly never without an opinion, especially when it came to the game, would have made a great analyst.
