Johnny Sexton, the former Ireland captain, retired from professional rugby following his team’s elimination from the Rugby World Cup by New Zealand in a heart-wrenching 28-24 quarter-final loss last month.
Remarkably, despite announcing his retirement from the sport in October, the 38-year-old has already secured employment beyond the world of rugby.
In fact, he has been holding a position at the same company for the past two years. Since April 2021, Sexton has been serving as a commercial manager for Ardagh Group, a supplier of glass and metal packaging based in Luxembourg.
The massive company employs 20,000 people across 63 facilities and boasts sales of over £7billion.
Although there have been rumours of him potentially returning to the Irish rugby scene as a coach, Sexton is fully committed to his new role.
Before the World Cup, Sexton had dedicated one day a week to the group, but it is now anticipated that he will assume a more significant role.
In addition to his corporate career, he is also the proprietor of his own management company, JAS Management and Promotions Ltd, which posted profits of £2.431 million in 2022—an increase of nearly £305,000 compared to the previous year’s earnings.
Confirming his retirement from rugby after the World Cup, Sexton said: “Retirement is never an easy next step for any professional athlete. It is especially hard after the rollercoaster of emotions from the last few weeks in France.
“The sadness and frustration we couldn’t progress further remain, they will for a long time to come but the overarching feeling is the pride I felt playing with such a committed and talented group of players.
“The best group I have been lucky enough to be a part of……on and off the pitch. Leaving these players and these coaches is what is making retirement so tough.
“I want to thank my teammates, both for Leinster and Ireland, for everything they have given to me.
“The last season was one of the most enjoyable of my career and it makes it even more special to do so with people you care about, friends who will stay a part of my life in the future.
“Four years ago we sat down as a squad and spoke about what we wanted to achieve. Our main motivation and objective was to inspire the nation. I think we achieved that. We lost, but we won.”
Richest Rugby Players:
6. Owen Farrell (England) – £2.6m
The Farrell family currently resides in Hertfordshire, England, where they lead a private and family-oriented life, away from the glare of the public eye. While Georgie may choose to stay out of the limelight, her presence and support have undoubtedly played a significant role in Owen’s success, both on and off the rugby field.
Their net worth is reported to be around £2.58m.
5. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand) – £11.6m
Despite his early exit from Toronto, the two-time Rugby World Cup winner still finds himself on the list. Starring in multiple sports; rugby league, rugby union and boxing, Williams has been in demand and has made good money down the years from numerous huge contracts.
Sonny Bill Facts:
- His actual full name is Sonny William Williams
- Williams’s younger sister, Niall, is a New Zealand former international touch football captain and current New Zealand rugby sevens player
- He was only the second person to represent New Zealand in rugby union after first playing for the country in rugby league
- Williams is one of only 21 players to have won the Rugby World Cup twice
- He onverted to Islam in 2009, while in France playing for Toulon