kicks it down.
Johnny Sexton may have retired, but the fire still burns.
The Ireland legend revealed he cheekily messaged Andy Farrell after his Lions appointment to see if there was
anychance of a playing comeback in 2025. The answer? A flat-out no.
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“When Andy got the job, I texted him and said, ‘If I play for my club, would you consider me?’ He just wrote back, ‘No,’” Sexton told The Times.
“I’d say he’s glad to see the back of having to deal with me every day.”
From fly-half to kicking coach
While he won’t be pulling the strings on the pitch in Australia, Sexton will be on tour – joining the coaching staff to work with the Lions’ kickers.
That group includes Marcus Smith, Finn Russell, Elliot Daly, Blair Kinghorn… and potentially Owen Farrell,
who remains on standby.Sexton backs Owen over Finn
The 39-year-old didn’t hesitate when asked who he’d start at 10 against the Wallabies.
“I’d pick Owen Farrell,” he said.
“Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals.”
While he admitted the media would prefer a flair player like Russell or Marcus Smith, Sexton doubled down:
“Marcus, I think, is a generational talent. He looks flashy, but I think he manages the game really well…
But for me, I’d like Owen. He can do some remarkable things.”
“If Owen were Irish…” – Sexton’s ultimate praise
Sexton believes the lack of recognition Farrell receives is baffling – especially now that his move to Racing 92 has ruled him out of England duty.
“If Owen Farrell were Irish, he’d be considered the greatest player that we’ve had,” Sexton said.
“He’s one of the best team-mates I’ve ever had. One of the best players I’ve ever played with.”
“He should still be playing for England and captaining them. I have nothing but admiration for him.”
EDITORS PICKS:
Three Players Bound for Lions Call-Ups After This Weekend
Andy Farrell’s first British & Irish Lions squad raised plenty of eyebrows—and not just for who made it, but for the serious talent left behind. But just because they missed out on the initial 36-man squad doesn’t mean the door is shut.
With form peaking at the perfect time and injuries always a factor on tour, these three stars are making Farrell’s job harder by the week. Whether it’s through electric attacking displays, tactical brilliance or all-round consistency, they’re banging on the Lions’ door—and doing it loudly.
Here are three standout names who could still make the trip Down Under.
✨ #1. Darcy Graham – The Magician Strikes Back
Left out? Not bothered. Scotland’s electric winger Darcy Graham let his feet do the talking with a scintillating hat-trickas Edinburgh thrashed Ulster 47-17 to secure a play-off spot.
Dubbed “a magician” by RugbyPass’s Simon Thomas, Graham conjured up a highlight-reel performance that screamed Lions-quality.
Even his coach Sean Everitt couldn’t hide the disappointment:
“Every time he puts on a rugby jersey, he turns something out of nothing. He’s a real magician.”
At just 26, there’s still time. But if injuries hit, don’t be surprised if Graham gets a last-minute boarding pass to Australia.
? #2. George Ford – England’s Cheat Code
Ninety-nine caps. Endless class. Still no Lions shirt.
George Ford produced another fly-half masterclass as Sale battered Bristol 41-27. Calm, ruthless, brilliant—he ran the show like a man on a mission.
Sale skipper Ben Curry summed it up:
“Fordy is a little cheat code. I don’t think there are many players in the world like him.”
Despite being overlooked, the 32-year-old is playing some of the best rugby of his career. He’s the heartbeat of Sale, the glue for England—and arguably the Lions’ biggest omission so far.
? #3. Ben Spencer – Finn’s Right-Hand Man
While Finn Russell dazzled against Leicester, it was Ben Spencer who quietly stole the show in Bath’s 43-15 demolition job.
His box-kicking? On the money. His distribution? Crisp and fast. Oh, and he chipped in with a cracking solo try too.
Spencer’s combination with Russell is flourishing—and if the Lions want ready-made chemistry, the Bath No.9 should be on the plane.
He’s been knocking on the door for years. Maybe 2025 is the moment he finally
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