Johnny Sexton didn't hesitate when naming his toughest ever rugby opponent

? Kick-off: 8:10pm

Sexton, who boasts a remarkable 118 appearances for his country and a record-breaking 1,108 points, reminisced about his toughest opponents and notable teammates, shedding light on his personal and professional journey.

Reflecting on his formidable adversaries, Sexton singled out rugby icons Richie McCaw and Paul O'Connell as his most challenging opponents. He lauded their relentless determination, acknowledging the difficulty of overcoming their formidable presence on the field.

Sexton remarked, "Richie McCaw or Paul O'Connell. Just hard and relentless. Hard to be on a winning team against them."

Conversely, when asked about his most esteemed teammates, Sexton praised the contributions of Paul O'Connell, Felipe Contepomi, and Brian O'Driscoll, citing their individual brilliance and camaraderie.

He added, "Paul O'Connell, Felipe Contepomi and Brian O'Driscoll. All great for different reasons."

During the engaging Q&A session, Sexton also shared glimpses into his rugby upbringing, citing Stephen Larkham and Jonny Wilkinson as childhood heroes, with Contepomi later earning his admiration in his professional career.

He revealed, "Stephen Larkham, Jonny Wilkinson and in much later years Felipe Contepomi."

Following his retirement from the sport, Sexton has embarked on a new chapter in his life, leveraging his Bachelor of Commerce degree earned from University College Dublin in 2012.

Embracing his transition from the rugby pitch to the corporate world, Sexton now serves as a commercial manager for a prominent glass and metal company, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability beyond the realm of sports.

The countdown is on. The 2026 Guinness Six Nations is set to roar into life with a blockbuster opener between France and Ireland on Thursday 5th February. The reigning giants collide in a fixture that could shape the entire tournament from the off.

Saturday 7th February sees a Super Saturday of sorts, as Italy host Scotland in Rome before England welcome fierce rivals Wales to Twickenham — now rebranded as the Allianz Stadium. Expect fireworks.

Here’s your complete, round-by-round breakdown of the 2026 Six Nations fixtures:

Thursday 5th February 2026
?? France v Ireland
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

Saturday 7th February 2026
?? Italy v Scotland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?️ England v Wales
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Saturday 14th February 2026
☘️ Ireland v Italy
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Scotland v England
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Sunday 15th February 2026
? Wales v France
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

Saturday 21st February 2026
?️ England v Ireland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v Scotland
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Sunday 22nd February 2026
?? France v Italy
? Decathlon Arena, Lille
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

Friday 6th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Wales
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

Saturday 7th March 2026
? Scotland v France
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?? Italy v England
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Saturday 14th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Scotland
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v Italy
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? France v England
? Venue TBC

“The biggest difference with South Africa is the diversity. Players we call on in different parts of the country, different backgrounds and who are playing overseas in different countries.

“We can draw from different sources, if I can call it that and try to get it down to one thing.

“It is a challenge, but also one