IRFU must act now to secure Ireland stars, warns Sexton

Johnny Sexton says he can “respect” why the IRFU delayed starting contract negotiations with him until last November, but believes that they need to move quicker to avoid risking losing the services of Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien.

Sexton is firmly ensconced in France with Racing Metro although he admits the change has been challenging as “everything is different”.

The out-half was back in Ireland this week to take part in the national side’s training camp in Carton House.

Excerpts from his autobiography Johnny Sexton — Becoming a Lion revealed his frustration at being forced into “the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make” in leaving Leinster but in an interview on RTÉ Radio One yesterday, Sexton insisted he bore no ill-will towards the IRFU.

“The book was documented as things occurred,” said Sexton. “So I documented the thought processes as I felt them at the time. I don’t regret how I felt but I’ve met the IRFU guys since… they did what they felt was best for the IRFU and I respect that now. But I did feel that in the summertime I would have liked to sit down and get it sorted before the season started.

“They just decided that they weren’t going to talk about contracts until November and that’s their prerogative.

“As a player you’re out of contract at the end of the season and you’re wondering ‘if I get injured, what’s going to happen to me?’

“You would just prefer it was done and dusted so you can concentrate on playing rugby.”

He admitted he felt taken for granted at that time but though he now understands the stance of IRFU chiefs, he maintains that moving quicker reduces the risk of losing more big-name players.

“There are some very important players to Irish rugby out of contract at the end of the season. I hope they sit with these guys now and get it sorted before it gets messy. They could do it now when there’s no other clubs sniffing around or they could have done it a few weeks ago. Players look for security. It’s a great thing for a player if you’re settled for two, three or four years. In the summer, players would take that security every day of the week.

“Even though I left, I don’t want to see other players leave Leinster. I hope guys like Jamie and Sean get tied into long contracts. Even if the club I’m at was a possibility of them coming over, I’d still hope they stay where they are because it would be better for Irish rugby if they stay here.