Jonny must learn to be bossy in French, says Durcan

Steer 20 stone men around the pitch in a foreign language, battle with other internationals for your position and deal with the president’s whims... those are the challenges facing Jonny Sexton in Racing Metro, according to Montauban out-half Peter Durcan.

The former Connacht player lined out with Sexton at U21 level for Ireland in a Six Nations and World Cup campaign before moving to France. He initially struggled before discovering the key nuances to succeeding as a professional player in France.

“I reckon it won’t be a massive difference in terms of learning a new game plan,” he said, “but at 10 there are other things which are vital to succeed here.