Rob Kearney: Patience needed as Jack Crowley assumes Ireland's No 10 shirt

Kearney can also see the case for Leinster’s 20-year Sam Prendergast being included in the Irish squad.

Rob Kearney in attendance during the Virgin Media Television Guinness 6 Nations Analyst Announcement.

Joe McCarthy, the youngest member of Ireland’s World Cup squad last year, was turning the corner from seven to eight years of age when Ireland last played a Six Nations campaign without Johnny Sexton. That was 2009.

So, when Andy Farrell names his squad for this year’s tournament shortly after lunchtime today it will be the first time in 15 seasons that Sexton’s name won’t be listed. That leaves the spotlight free to turn towards others.