Age won’t deny Johnny Sexton key role with the Lions, insists Warren Gatland

'It's not about the future, it's about the here and now'

Johnny Sexton: Will be 36 when the Lions tour South Africa. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Age will be no barrier to Johnny Sexton touring with the Lions to South Africa in 2021 but Warren Gatland has challenged the Ireland captain to keep his body intact in order to face the Springboks next summer.

As Sexton prepares to lead Ireland into a potential Six Nations title decider against France in Paris this Saturday, Gatland was asked about his thoughts on picking the veteran fly-half, Lion #791, on a third tour of duty at age 36 after playing in all six Tests and starting five across 2013 and 2017.