Quinlan surprised by Sexton’s inclusion

Former Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan has spoken of his surprise at the decision to bring Jonathan Sexton on tour to Argentina and expressed hope that Joe Schmidt wraps his fly-half in kid gloves for the duration.

Sexton’s workload between Ireland and Racing Metro duties might have lessened after Christmas, but the season in general was one long and demanding campaign for a player who was used to being used more sparingly while at Leinster.

“I’m not sure I would have brought him on tour,” said Quinlan at an event yesterday to promote Sky Sports’ coverage of the two Tests. “I’d have wrapped him up in cotton wool and given him a long summer off myself.