Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
I’ve my sights on the real world
SEXTON HINTS AT LEAVING RUGBY BEHIND WHEN HE QUITS
Johnny Sexton is contemplating calling time on his career in the near future
JOHNNY SEXTON has hinted he might not see out this current World Cup cycle - and that he will walk away from rugby when his career ends.
By the time France 2023 rolls around, the Ireland captain will be 38.
Yet he remains his country’s first choice out-half and is poised to put pen to paper on a new IRFU deal for next year.
“Nearly there but waiting to see if Leinster want to keep me around,” said Sexton.
“They have a few good young 10s coming through.”
Always considered a strong candidate to go into coaching or punditry immediately after hanging up his boots, he is not so sure.
When asked about his plans for either route, he laughed: “None of the above! I’ve a fair idea what I will be doing. You never tell anyone your plans because they can change, can’t they?
“But I’ve got some things that I’ll work towards over the next year or two years, whatever, I don’t know.
“I’ll work towards getting into the real world and starting another life.
“There are parts of this game that are amazing and that you would love to be a part of it forever, then there are some parts that you just can’t wait to get a million miles away from.
“I’m loving it at the moment, I’m loving every moment of playing and I just want to focus on this campaign and, if I stay on next year, just focus on that and try and make the most of whatever is left.” Figures such as Stuart Lancaster and Isa Nacewa (inset) had previously suggested that the Dubliner could go on into his 40s.
Lancaster mentioned him in the same bracket as NFL star Tom Brady, who recently won the Superbowl again at the age of 43.
“If you look at what I’ve said, it’s been other people who have thrown fuel on the fire,” said Sexton. “Isa was telling people I could play until I am 40, 41! I’ve always been of the same position – I absolutely love what I do and am very privileged to do it. I’m still loving it.
“I’ll keep playing for now. That’s never changed, I’ve spoken of my admiration for athletes who have stayed at the top of their game for a long time but be careful about what I said and what other people said, that can get lost a bit.
“I’d hope that my team-mates and coaches see how motivated I am to train every day and then to keep going.
“Whenever that is, I can’t say because no one knows. You could be 24, 25 years of age and get an injury and you’re finished then.
“I’m contracted for this season and nearly contracted for next season. We’ll see what happens.”
Sexton confirmed that, having missed the France defeat, he will be fit to skipper Ireland against Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Admitting that two losses from two games to date is “a million miles from what we wanted”, he added: “It’s frustrating, definitely. We just want to finish on a high.”
SNOOKER’S newest champion Jordan Brown is desperate to prove his famous Welsh Open title was no fluke at this week’s Players Championship. The ‘Antrim Ferrari’ was a 750/1 long-shot before conjuring up a seismic sporting shock to beat world champion Ronnie O’sullivan (inset) to land a magical maiden title. And Brown’s dream win secured his place in the elite 16-man event, where he locks horns with all-time great John Higgins in a mouthwatering firstround clash this afternoon.
“Success like this only makes me want more in the future and it’s up to me now to prove it is no fluke,” stressed Brown.
“I always knew I had the talent but talent enough isn’t enough – you have to back it up with hard work and a never-say-die attitude.
“I need to use this as a platform to build on and there’s no rest for the wicked. It’s back to work.”
The Antrim ace is reaping the rewards from an epiphany five years ago where he stopped “going to the pub with my mates” and dedicated himself to the green-baize game.
“I had a lot of tough years because I was on the verge of quitting,” admitted the former petrol pump attendant.
“I had a few tough years off the table. I was basically just working full time and practicing full time.
“I was getting up at half five, half six in the morning and you have to pinch yourself sometimes.
“I had a tough time and I was frustrated seeing other players who I thought I was better than doing well on the tour winning matches.
“It gave me the kick up the arse I needed and was a real turning point in my life.
“It’s crazy to think from then to now what’s happened.”
Brown is the only Northern Irish potter in action after world No.10 Mark Allen failed to qualify for the prestigious event.
1 3 NEW boss Nigel Pearson sparked an immediate revival at Bristol City as Famara Diedhiou ripped through Middlebrough’s defence.
Boro manager Neil Warnock’s playoff hopes were dealt a major blow as Pearson returned to his former club and got off to a winning start.
Pearson was off his directors box seat and cheering goals three times in a remarkable first half.
If this is the sort of impact he has by watching from the stands the future will be bright for City, who could yet climb back into top six contention.
They blew away hapless Boro, who were wide open at the back and sloppy in possession. Pearson was appointed 24 hours before kick-off, replacing Dean Holden after the Robins had suffered seven consecutive defeats.
It is the 57-year-old’s first job since leaving Watford in July and he left most of the touchline work to assistants Paul Simpson and Keith Downing last night.
Suddenly there was life in the visitors, who crashed home three goals in the first 37 minutes, Diedhiou grabbing two as well as an assist in a swashbuckling display.
He planted home a fine header after splitting the Boro centre-backs to attack a clipped cross from Adam Nagy in the 21st minute.
Eleven minutes later he added a second when Nahki Wells slipped him in for the finish.
Five minutes after that he turned provider, flicking on a ball from Tomas
Kalas and freeing Wells to sprint 30 yards and go round keeper Marcus Bettinelli to score.
It was a huge blow for Warnock’s side, who had won their previous two games and were hoping to haul level with the top six.
Instead they ended the opening period shouting at each other and demanding more, with Warnock ordering them to fight back.
But that only came late, in the 80th minutes, when Dael Fry converted a cross from substitute Marvin Johnson – the former England Under-21 defender’s first senior goal for Boro.
It could have been even worse for Boro, with Paddy Mcnair clearing off the line from Wells and Diedhiou blasting a shot which Bettinelli just managed to get a hand to.