Johnny Sexton: Ireland's 2023 World Cup assault starts here and now

The veteran skipper has signalled a radical change in approach as Ireland seek to break the glass ceiling that is the quarter-final stage at France 2023

Ireland's Johnny Sexton during a World Cup match. The Ireland captian is eyeing the sport's biggest event in France 2023 as he prepares for the Autumn internationals. 

Johnny Sexton has declared that Ireland’s assault on the 2023 World Cup starts now. Or, to be more precise, next Saturday week when Andy Farrell’s men kick off their November duties with the visit of Japan to Lansdowne Road.

It’s a declaration that marks a major departure for a team that, under Joe Schmidt, stuck to a next-game-up mantra. It’s one that seems to reflect an understanding that Ireland need to do something different to finally make a mark on the global tournament.