"Lot of pressure" - Johnny Sexton is back on the pitch, but won't be returning to professional rugby - Ruck

“Lot of pressure” – Johnny Sexton is back on the pitch, but won’t be returning to professional rugby

Johnny Sexton, the iconic figure of Irish rugby, swiftly delves into a new endeavor mere weeks after declining a coaching position with the national team.

Despite recently returning to the pitch in a different sport, the retired captain is already charting a new course in his professional journey.

At 38 years old, Sexton’s illustrious career, highlighted by 119 caps for Ireland, now takes a sharp turn toward fresh challenges.

Trading his jersey for a business suit, the ex-fly-half has taken on the role of commercial manager at Ardagh Group, a powerhouse in the glass and metal industry headquartered in Luxembourg.

Ardagh​​ Group boasts a global footprint as a leading provider of sustainable metal and glass packaging, boasting a sprawling network of 63 production facilities, a workforce of 20,000, and a jaw-dropping revenue exceeding £7.2 billion.

But that’s not all in Sexton’s playbook. He’s also the brains behind JAS Management and Promotions Ltd., a thriving enterprise that raked in £2.4 million in profits in 2022 alone—a hefty increase of nearly £305,000 from the previous year’s earnings.

Back on the pitch:

He’s also now allowed to take part in social sports in his spare time with the passionate Manchester United fan now playing five a-side weekly with his mates.

He wrote on Instagram: “Lots of pressure on me wearing these in 7 a side football tonight.

“Have begged Adidas for 8 years to bring back the predator tongue….and they do it when I retire,”

Highest-paid rugby players:

Breaking records and raising eyebrows, these players are leading the charge in the financial stakes of rugby union. Here’s the rundown of the top earners in the game according to The Scotsman:

Siya Kolisi – £850,000

The South African skipper boasts an impressive resume with two Rugby World Cup triumphs and a commendable third-place finish. At French powerhouse Racing 92, Kolisi has been commanding a salary of £850,000, but with the recent arrival of Owen Farrell, he might be eyeing a bump in his paycheck.

Siya Kolisi, Captain of South Africa during the Test Match between New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on August 25th 2023. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Faf De Klerk – £900,000

De Klerk, another key figure in South Africa’s World Cup-winning squad, has made his mark in Japan. Playing for the Yokohama Canon Eagles, he’s banking a cool £900,000 annually, showcasing the global appeal of rugby’s top talents.

Faf de Klerk of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks at Sandy Park on 6 March 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

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