Johnny Sexton

Jonathan Jeremiah Sexton built his name in Irish rugby as a fly-half with a commanding presence and a reputation for steering games with precision. His club career took shape at Leinster, where he developed into one of the most trusted playmakers in the Irish game, before an influential spell in France with Racing 92 broadened his experience across two of Europe’s most demanding rugby environments.

At international level, Sexton’s standing grew steadily until he was handed the captaincy of the Ireland national team in 2019. Leading his country through a four-year tenure that ran until 2023, he combined the responsibilities of on-field leadership with the demands of being his side’s primary decision-maker at fly-half — a dual burden few players carry.

Now retired as a player, Sexton has also worked as a coach, extending his influence on the game from the training ground. His career spans the top tiers of Irish and French club rugby and nearly a decade-defining chapter as Ireland’s leader, a run that cemented his place among the notable figures of his era in rugby union.