Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has announced today he will retire at the end of the 2023 World Cup.
Earlier today, the 36-year-old signed a new contract extension until the end of the tournament in France and is delighted to be able to announce a date for his retirement.
He said: “I’m delighted to be able to say it. I’ve been beating around the bush for six months, always nervous talking about the World Cup when you weren’t guaranteed to be there.
“It was always my intention to try and stay at the top of my game to get myself to a World Cup and I’m very thankful and grateful that I’ve been afforded that opportunity to do it. Now it’s up to me to keep the body in good shape.
“It’s up to me to work hard, get the body and mind in the best shape possible and attack the last 18 months. I’m still very driven to get there and perform at the World Cup.”
The 2018 World Player of the Year has won 103 international caps and hit the milestone of 500 Six Nations points last month.
Sexton made his international debut against Fiji in November 2009 and has represented Ireland at the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
The Leinster star is a two-time Lions tourist in 2013 and 2017, and has won three Six Nations titles, as well as five European cups with Leinster.
For his club, Sexton has played 178 games, scoring 1,549 points.
Sexton added: “There is some great talent coming through at Leinster at present and I am excited about the prospect of competing at a fourth World Cup with Ireland and the potential for growth in this group between now and then.”
IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora said: “”Johnny’s performances continue to be of the highest standard and he remains an integral member of the Ireland and Leinster squads.
“He has always been a leader on the field and in the past two years since taking on the Ireland captaincy his leadership off it has been top class. Johnny is a generational player, and we are delighted that he has extended to 2023.”
Written by Ben Jaycock
