Sexton gets Laporte’s seal of approval

Toulon coach Bernard Laporte believes the arrival of Jonathan Sexton in France is a huge boost to the Top 14. The former French coach, who led Toulon to Heineken Cup glory in May, reckons Sexton will thrive in his career with Racing Metro.

Sexton will go head to head with Jonny Wilkinson in Toulon this evening and Laporte believes it will be a great battle.

“It will be a great game, they are two very good players. It is very good for the Top 14 to have a player like Sexton come here.

“It raises the level of the competition,” said Laporte, who was French coach for eight years and also served as Secretary of State for Youth and Sports in the French government for two years when he stepped down as national coach in 2007.

Toulon opened their Top 14 account last weekend with a fortunate 22-22 draw away to Montpellier, while Sexton scored eight points on his debut as Racing Metro defeated Brive 19-14.

While Laporte obviously hopes Wilkinson will come out on top in the battle of the two Jonnys, he believes Sexton will do well in the Top 14.

“He is a very good player and he will do very well here,” added Laporte.