Former Munster star backs Johnny Sexton for World Player of the Year award

Former Munster centre James Downey believes Johnny Sexton is a decent bet for the 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year award.

Sexton kicked the winning drop goal against France in the Six Nations, helped Ireland to a Grand Slam, won the Champions Cup and PRO14 with Leinster and was nominated for the EPCR Player of the Year award and the Six Nations Player of the Championship award. The Dubliner enjoyed a remarkable season and Downey believes that he could finish the year with a World Rugby Player of the Year award.

"Johnny has been sensational hasn't he? He's definitely going to be up there," said Downey on the latest episode of The Hard Yards. "Whether he gets it or not I'm not sure. What month are they choosing it? [November] Are they going to give Beauden Barrett enough time to catch up? "He's been tipping away down in Super Rugby. It would be interesting if Beauden produces one or two games against France. You can see him being the favourite. "Love is blind but the neighbours aren't. We love Johnny so much up here that we... well I think he's underrated by people outside of here because he's so quiet. Kev [McLaughlin] mentioned it as well. He just gets on with it. "I'd love him to win it, there's no more fitting guy."

Listen to the full conversation about Sexton's World Player of the Year candidacy from 46:00 below Host Andy McGeady highlighted a kick by Sexton that caught Scarlets winger Steff Evans off guard following a high tackle penalty and Downey said that it can make such a difference when you are playing with, or alternatively against, a player with Sexton's kicking ability.

"As a player on the field, when a 10 can just put it in the corner [it makes a difference]," added Downey. "I was lucky to play against ROG [Ronan O'Gara] when he was doing and Johnny when he was doing it and it breaks you as a defender. "When it skips into touch just beside the five and you're like 'ahhhh.....'. "And they don't have to do anything to get there, it's just that skill. For Johnny to do that at the weekend, and even James Lowe when he had his kick, it was a perfect longshot."