'We deal with it and move on' says O'Brien on Sexton ban

The long-running uncertainty over Sexton’s disciplinary situation had cast a shadow over preparations - on the outside at least - but Jimmy O’Brien would have us believe that the skipper’s fate wasn’t exactly keeping colleagues awake at night.

SEXTON BAN: Jimmy O'Brien said he heard at training about Johnny Sexton's ban and that the team just have to deal with it and move on.  Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

If Johnny Sexton’s three-month ban was met with any collective sentiment here in Ireland then it was relief.

Missing three World Cup warm-ups on account of the lip he gave Jaco Peyper after Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup final loss in May certainly can’t count as ideal but everyone knows it could have been far worse.