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Published 16:21 8 Mar 2022 GMT
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Sexton name-checked a raft of legends that went on into their mid- to late 30s at the highest level, including former Ireland captains for Rory Best, Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll, as well as Munster legends Peter Stringer, Donnacha O’Callaghan. Seeing how Brad Thorn and Richie McCaw could still mix it with the best, as the miles racked up, was another inspiration. [caption id="attachment_250551" align="aligncenter" width="800"]"It was always my intention to try and stay at the top of my game to get myself to a World Cup and I’m very thankful and grateful that I’ve been afforded that opportunity to do it. Now it’s up to me to keep the body in good shape.
"I’m still very driven to get there and perform at the World Cup. That was one of the biggest factors for me. I spoke to a lot of guys who have finished in the game with big regrets over World Cup and I have a chance now to do that. It’s obviously a long time away and at this moment we’ve got a lot in front of us to focus on but it’s great to get it sorted."
Jonathan Sexton, left, and Joey Carbery of Ireland after their side's victory over New Zealand in 2021. (Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)[/caption]
"Yeah," he confirmed, "finished, 2023 World Cup. I’m delighted to be able to say it.
"I've been beating around the bush for six months, always nervous talking about the World Cup when you weren’t guaranteed to be there, but I just want to make the most of this last 18 months of my career, and go out on the top.
"It’s up to me now to work hard and get the body and mind in the best shape possible, and attack the last 18 months."
Asked what food or drinks he was most looking forward to getting stuck into, after retirement, Johnny Sexton mused, "It’s balance.
"You still find time in your routine to have the odd beer with your brother or friends or teammates, or a glass of wine, you can still do that as a professional rugby player, you can just do it a little bit more often - which is the dangerous thing - when you retire.
"I’d say when I do retire, I’ll miss everything about the game. It’s an absolute dream to do what I’ve done and to do it for so long is incredible. I pinch myself every day. I’m just very grateful to keep it going.
"When I hang up the boots I’ll be like a lost puppy for the first while, but I’ll find something else to throw myself into, golf maybe?"
Knowing how competitive a guy he is, Sexton will be pinging the likes of O'Driscoll and O'Connell at 6am on the first Monday of his retirement to set up a high-stakes game down at the local course. WATCH HOUSE OF RUGBY HERE:Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
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