Ireland’s greatest ever out-half has been in camp offering his expertise to the three youthful 10s in the squad.
Some questioned this move from head coach Andy Farrell, arguing that it would prevent the team from fully moving forward to the next era and stop the likes of Jack Crowley, Ciarán Frawley and Sam Prendergast from developing properly.
During TNT’s coverage of Ireland versus Argentina, former Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll and ex-England back Austin Healey had differing views on the situation.
O’Driscoll argued that Sexton’s involvement would be of benefit, in particular to Prendergast, while Healey was totally against his presence in camp.
Healey argued: “If he’s in the squad as well, I still think that’s a bit of a problem.
“If I’m any one of those three 10s, I’ll ask Sexton to be there myself, but I don’t want him there telling me what to do if I’m about to take over the 10 shirt.
“If Sexton is there, it’s like the Alex Ferguson scenario at Man United. Every manager was always looking up into the stand, as were the fans.
“It’s time to move on, for me.”
While Sexton does not have an official title, more detail around his role was given by Farrell ahead of Ireland’s clash with Fiji tomorrow.
The Englishman said: “It’s not defined at the minute. How I went about my start as a coach, it was open enough because things then are allowed to grow organically, but as far as roles and coming in and finding his feet, obviously place-kicking is one.
“He’s taken hold of the high-ball stuff and the mentoring of players that you would expect him to mentor and advise and being around the whole group, being another voice within the squad or another brain within… sharing ideas etc.
“So, I’ve seen a big improvement because Behind the scenes: Sexton you know Johnny, he wouldn’t want to come in all screaming and, “look at me, I’m here” etc.
“He’s come in softly at the start and he’s certainly building through it now and we see a lot of improvement in the areas that he’s coaching at the minute.”
Asked whether the role could turn into something more official and permanent, Farrell added: “It could do down the line. At the minute, again, it’s when he can fit it in around his schedule as well but the consultancy part now is working really well.”
