French delighted to have ‘world star’ like Sexton in Top 14

The absence of Johnny Sexton from the Irish ranks on Saturday may not be mourned by a France side looking for their first win of this Six Nations but his arrival at Racing Metro next season has been warmly welcomed by one of his new team-mates, Maxime Machenaud.

The France scrum-half, who is likely to start on the bench behind Morgan Parra in Dublin, insisted the Leinster man’s arrival was a massive coup for Racing, currently sixth in the Top 14.

“It is very exciting for us. It’s always enjoyable to play with a player like that. He’s someone who is a bit of a world star,” he said. “He’s managed to play pretty well for Ireland and he’s young too. I think he’ll bring a lot to the team at Racing.”