Sexton and Schmidt honoured with stamp appearance

Irish rugby coach Joe Schmidt and out-half Johnny Sexton will appear on postage stamps across the country.

Irish rugby coach Joe Schmidt and out-half Johnny Sexton have been honoured with an appearance on Irish postage stamps.

An Post revealed that pair will feature on a two-stamp set with Schmidt and Sexton chosen to celebrate rugby on the eve of the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The €1 stamps, created by Irish design house Zinc Design Consultants, are on sale at main post offices.

Both player and coach referred to being selected as a 'great honour'.

"When I first arrived in Ireland in the early 1990s to work as a school teacher and play with Mullingar RFC, I never imagined the impact Ireland would have on my life and that of my family," said Schmidt.

"I have been lucky to work with so many talented people and have experienced some incredible days with both Leinster and the Ireland squad.

"Since coming to Ireland we have been treated with kindness and generosity by so many people and today is a great honour for me and my family."

Sexton stated "It is a great honour for me personally and for my family to feature on a national stamp.

"Although it is a proud personal moment, it is the hard work and dedication of this Ireland squad that has achieved so much together over the past few years that sees Irish Rugby’s success recognised by An Post."

The picture of Schmidt was taken by Sportsfile photographer Ramsey Cardy while Dan Sheridan from INPHO snapped the shot of Johnny Sexton.

An Post's CEO, David McRedmond, said the stamps were "a thank you to this team of remarkable individuals and to Irish Rugby for all that they mean to Ireland and the Irish everywhere."

Ireland are ramping up their World Cup preparations with just two warm-up games left before they depart for Japan.

Ireland's World Cup kicks-off against Scotland on September 22.