Former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton recently shared that he would have considered continuing his rugby career if Leinster had offered him a contract extension after the World Cup. The 2018 World Player of the Year retired last year following Ireland’s quarter-final loss to New Zealand in Paris, a match in which he played the full 80 minutes as the team’s fly-half.
At 38 years old, Sexton was still a vital player for Ireland, leading the team to the World Cup as the number one ranked side. Despite the desire to continue playing after the World Cup, Sexton had already made the decision to retire before the tournament began. He mentioned that if Leinster had proposed for him to stay on for the rest of the season, he might have been tempted to prolong his career, but that opportunity did not materialize.
Although he received offers to play abroad, Sexton was not interested. Many players in his position were forced to retire due to injuries or changes in team dynamics, but Sexton’s situation was different. He reflects on his retirement decision as a tough one but acknowledges the gratitude for the years he had in the sport.
Sexton’s final year as a professional player was not without challenges, as he missed a farewell game for Leinster due to injury and experienced another quarter-final exit at the World Cup. However, he found solace in addressing these experiences in his autobiography, “Obsessed,” which was recently released. Having those tough conversations and reflecting on his career helped him cope with the disappointments of his final months as a player.
Despite the tough ending to his career, Sexton cherishes the memorable moments, including winning the Grand Slam and participating in the World Cup. He views these experiences as highlights of his career and treasures the time spent with his teammates during those events.
By sharing his journey and experiences in his autobiography, Sexton hopes to provide insight into the challenges and triumphs of a professional rugby player. His openness about the highs and lows of his career allows fans and aspiring athletes to understand the dedication and sacrifices required to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
