Six Nations 2026: Racist abuse at Edogbo home ‘horrific’ – Sexton

Sexton was speaking ahead of Ireland’s match against England on Saturday amid ongoing uncertainty over the long-term occupancy of the No. 10 shirt which he wore with distinction before his retirement in 2023.

Sam Prendergast has started both Six Nations matches this year, but it remains to be seen whether head coach Andy Farrell will stick with the 23-year-old Leinster player or give Jack Crawley, Ciaran Frawley or Harry Byrne the chance to impress against England.

Sexton, who has 118 caps for Ireland, added: “It is important that not only those two, but also Frawley and Harry Byrne, continue to develop and get game time.”

“So there are four players and all the criticism from previous World Cups is that we did not develop the players, and we relied too much on one. [player] In some situations.

He added: “So we are doing things in a different way now, and whether it is right or wrong, everyone judges the matter by the result, but I know that in the upcoming matches, they will perform at their best and will be in a good place.”

Sexton added: “All four are very good, they all have different strengths and as coaches I think we are trying to make sure we have plenty of options going into the World Cup, trying to learn from previous cycles and making sure we give them all a certain number of international caps.

“We need to make sure we see their level in different pressure situations, in different places against different opponents, and yes, I’m sure that will be the case in the near future.”