With Japan’s rugby season set to restart in early 2025, speculation swirled once again about whether Irish rugby icon Johnny Sexton might make a sensational return. However, any hopes were dashed as discussions didn’t progress beyond an initial conversation.
It’s not the first time the 118-cap fly-half has been approached. Sexton reportedly received a similar offer 12 months ago but turned it down. The logistics of uprooting his young family from their Dublin home to move halfway across the globe proved to be a significant barrier for the 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year.
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Last Dance in Paris
Sexton hung up his boots in dramatic fashion after Ireland’s heartbreaking quarter-final loss to New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Playing the full 80 minutes in Paris, the legendary fly-half ended his career at the pinnacle of the sport, despite falling short of World Cup glory.
“I had a couple of offers to go abroad and play, but that didn’t appeal to me, really,” Sexton told BBC Sport NI. He revealed that his retirement plans were set long before the tournament, leaving little room for second thoughts.
What If Leinster Had Called?
Although he firmly closed the door on a return, Sexton admitted there was one scenario that could have changed his mind. “I might have been tempted had Leinster said to me to maybe stay on for the end of the season, but they didn’t,” he explained. “I didn’t really, I suppose, have the option.”
Life After Rugby: From Fly-Half to Full-Time Worker
Sexton has transitioned seamlessly into post-rugby life, splitting his time between mentoring Ireland’s next generation of fly-halves and a career in the corporate world. The former playmaker now works full-time as a commercial manager for Ardagh Group, a global leader in metal and glass packaging.
Ardagh operates 62 production facilities across 16 countries, employing approximately 20,000 people and generating $9.4 billion in sales in 2023. Sexton, who initially joined the company part-time, took on a full-time role following his retirement.
“It’s been eye-opening and a massive transition…”
Speaking to talkSPORT, Sexton shared insights into his new routine. “It’s with a packaging company on the commercial side of that. It’s been eye-opening and a massive transition. I’ve been enjoying it. Doing something new and putting myself in that environment has been a challenge,” he said.
The routine-driven Sexton has found ways to keep active, balancing gym sessions, golf, and playing weekly seven-a-side football. “That’s special because it’s being part of a team again. You find ways to adapt,” he noted.
Grateful for the Glory Days
Despite offers from overseas clubs and the allure of continuing his illustrious career, Sexton is content with how things ended. “I played until I was 38, but you have to move on and not feel sorry for yourself. I played with guys who retired when they were 26 with a career-ending knee injury and had their best years ahead. I am very grateful for the time I had,” he reflected.
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Rugby’s Five Richest Couples:
5. Johnny and Laura Sexton – £6m
Together since their teens, Johnny Sexton and his wife Laura are one of rugby’s wealthiest couples. Known for their close-knit family, with three children often seen pitchside, the Sextons met at Rathgar Tennis Club and tied the knot in 2013. From Dublin’s Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin, Johnny and Laura have been through it all. Their story, filled with love and commitment, has captivated fans just as much as Johnny’s rugby career.
4. Siya and Rachel Kolisi – £10m
With an empire worth an estimated £10 million, Siya and Rachel Kolisi were not just a power couple but partners in philanthropy. Known for their foundation and work in communities, the couple planned to keep collaborating on their projects, even as they transition to a new chapter. Siya recently rejoined the Sharks in South Africa after a stint with French side Racing, but despite their split, Rachel remains the “rock” Siya has always called her.
Though the Kolisis’ marriage may be over, their legacy as one of South Africa’s most-loved couples will continue to inspire fans across the globe.
3. Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.
2. Jonny and Shelley Wilkinson – £22m
Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.
In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson’s net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby’s wealthiest figures.
1. Sonny Bill and Alana Williams – £20m
Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.
In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple’s net worth is reported to be around £20 million.
Test Your Rugby Knowledge: Top 17 Point Scorers Quiz
Whether they dominated with ice-cool penalty kicks, pinpoint conversions, or electrifying tries, these players have made their mark on the game.
You’ve got four minutes on the clock—can you list them all? Grab a pen, set the timer, and let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to ace this ultimate rugby challenge!
