Sexton honoured to lead the Irish

Kobe – World Player-of-the-Year Jonathan Sexton, pictured, will captain Ireland for the first time after being recalled for their Rugby World Cup match against Russia tomorrow following a thigh injury.

The 34-year-old fly-half missed Ireland’s shock 19-12 defeat by hosts Japan in Shizuoka on Saturday, which threw Pool A wide open, with a knock he suffered in the opening 27-3 win over Scotland.

British and Irish Lions star Sexton was one of 11 personnel changes and two positional switches made by Joe Schmidt following a five-day turnaround, in what is the New Zealander’s last tournament before he steps down as Ireland coach.

“It’s a massive honour. I spoke to Joe this morning, so I only found out myself over the last few hours,” Sexton told reporters after Schmidt announced the team yesterday.

“I haven’t even had a chance to tell my family, but I’m sure they’re going to be very proud as well.”

The Leinster playmaker added: “It’s something that I’ve thought about since I was a kid; something I’ve made a lot of decisions around trying to get there one day.

“It has taken a while but it was worth the wait and I’m incredibly proud.

“I want to be captain now of a good performance and a good win in a World Cup game, so that’s my main focus.

“I have a big responsibility in the team anyway, so nothing has changed,” insisted Sexton, who said he was also fit enough to resume his role as Ireland’s firstchoice goal-kicker.

Schmidt, explaining why he had made so many alterations, said: “There might be 13 changes because we do need to make sure everyone is ready and involved as much as possible, to get everyone up to speed.

“It’s pretty tough with a six-day and then a five-day turnaround, there’s always going to be a bit of attrition. We’re looking to give guys an opportunity.

“It’s great, because we’ve got some guys who would have been very, very keen to be involved who will get an opportunity on Thursday.” – AFP