Sexton kicking distractions to touch

Johnny Sexton waited almost a decade to experience the satisfaction of playing a central role in an Ireland Grand Slam success, but he will try not to scratch a similar itch when Leinster contest their first Champions Cup final in six years in Bilbao today.

The Leinster, Ireland, and Lions star, who is bidding to win a fourth European winners medal following the Heineken Cup glories of 2009, 2011, and 2012, had waited since 2009 to make his mark on a Six Nations sweep, having been a non-playing member of the Ireland squad early in his career. That wait came to an end in March, as Joe Schmidt’s men recorded five wins from five with fly-half Sexton front and centre in the glory, kicking the game- winning drop goal to secure victory in round one over France and steering Ireland home from there.

On the eve of his fourth Champions Cup final, the 32-year-old believes thinking about a return to winning ways in Europe’s premier club competition would be a dangerous distraction.