Sexton in a better place now than November Tests

Johnny Sexton believes he is in much better shape heading into Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations campaign this weekend than he felt before the November Tests following his move to Racing Metro.

The Ireland fly-half left Leinster last May having signed a two-year contract with the French Top14 club, whom he joined a fortnight after he starred in the British & Irish Lions’ series win over Australia.

Sexton, 28, endured a hectic schedule following his Paris move, playing 13 straight games as Racing’s other out-halves struggled with injuries before his body gave way too, causing him to miss Joe Schmidt’s first game in charge of the national team against Samoa in Dublin.