Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says he is eyeing a first Grand Slam in Dublin as he prepares to play in the final Six Nations match in his career.
The 37-year-old, who can also become the leading points scorer in Six Nations history against England on Saturday, will hang up his boots after the Rugby World Cup in the autumn.
Despite Sexton ageing like a fine wine in an Ireland jersey, he is undoubtedly approaching the twilight of his career.
The fly-half is still able to light up a game with match-winning moments, and presented Leinster and Ireland fans that he still match fit, with pace to burn.
What better way could the 37-year-old wrap up his career for his country, than leading the way to Ireland’s first ever Rugby World Cup.
The number one ranked side in the world, Ireland are putting on performances which match up to the moniker. Their second round win over France, in Round 2 of this years Six Nations only strengthened their status as favourites to be World Champions come October.
With over 100 Ireland caps, and over 1,000 points and counting, Sexton is a certifiable great in the green jersey.
However now, Andy Farrell has begun looking to the future of his side, with a power struggle between Munster teammates Joey Carbery and Jack Crowley. Farrell seems to favour 23-year-old Crowley as the natural successor to Sexton, once the Dubliner hangs up for boots for Ireland.
FOUR MORE PLAYERS SET TO RETIRE FOLLOWING 2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP
1. Alun Wyn Jones – Wales
With 156 test match caps, Alun Wyn Jones holds the test match record for Wales. His incredible career sets the standard for international longevity, as no player has achieved more caps for their country than Jones. He eclipsed Richie McCaw’s record of 148 All Blacks appearances against France in 2020, and is currently involved in his 17th consecutive Guinness Six Nations competition.
Since becoming the first choice lock ahead of the 2007 Six Nations, Alun Wyn Jones has held onto the shirt ever since. However, the legendary lock looks to be finally winding down, with a new generation of fresh-faced Welsh players set to breakthrough. After an under-par performance against Ireland in the opening round of the 2023 Six Nations, the 37-year-old was in fact dropped by Warren Gatland ahead of Wales’ trip to Murrayfield.
Exeter Chiefs lock Dafydd Jenkins replaced Jones in the row, with the 20-year-old putting in a strong performance against Scotland. Jones is back in the starting line-up against England, after Gatland announced the team yesterday. He seems to remain in the former British & Irish Lions Head Coach’s plans for now, yet Gatland has made it clear that he is looking to introduce young stars to the Welsh squad, with Jenkins possibly taking the torch forward after the Rugby World Cup.