LEINSTER HAVE DISMISSED speculation linking out-half Johnny Sexton with a return to France next summer.
The Irish Times’ Gerry Thornley reported that the Ireland out-half has turned down “strong overtures” from league leaders Lyon to bring him back to the Top 14 at the end of the season.
Sexton, who played with Racing Métro in Paris from 2013 to 2015, is centrally contracted with the IRFU until the end of the 2020/2021 season.
Asked about a potential move on Monday, Leinster coach Stuart Lancaster said there is “certainly nothing from our end”.
“Johnny is contracted to Leinster and Ireland until 2021,” Lancaster said, “and the only conversation I have had with Johnny is how he can get better, how Leinster can get better, and how he can play for Ireland.”
Sexton is currently sidelined by a knee ligament injury which threatens to keep him out of the opening rounds of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign.
The 34-year-old has been assessed by a specialist in the UK, and is due to return for further consultation over the Christmas period.
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He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)