
Share
6th March 2019
08:52am GMT

Two of the big talking points from Sexton's stay in France was when he was sat out of action for 12 weeks after being concussed on a couple of occasions, and former coach Laurent Labit reportedly referring to him as the Zlatan Ibrahimovic of rugby (in that he was often aloof and temperamental but undoubtedly talented).
Sexton would openly admit that his stint in Paris did not go exactly the was he would have envisaged. However, to put him atop a four-man list of Irish 'flops' seems unduly harsh as he was spoken of highly by former teammates, and former coach Ronan O'Gara, at Racing.
"I reckon Ireland will stick with them. They're going okay but it's still not coming together for the team... there are one or two bits in the pattern not clicking like it was in the autumn, or for most of last year. And they are the two ones that are catching and passing the ball the most. "I'd say they'll keep playing them in the hope that they get it back. Ireland are obviously frustrated at the minute but they are very, very fine margins. A few of those passes go to hand and they'll get momentum and get those big ball-carriers like Seanie O'Brien over the gainline."Addressing the other three inclusions in that Rugbyrama list, Ian Madigan - accused of 'clumsy footwork' in the piece - left after only a year with Bordeaux Begles and did not enjoy a great time in the Top 14. Paddy Jackson was signed to a mediocre Perpignan side that have been meat and drink to some of the Top 14 sides this season, going winless all the way into late February. As for James Hart, he had two excellent seasons with Grenoble, under Bernard Jackman, before losing his starting scrumhalf spot to South African Charl McLeod. Recommended by O'Gara, Racing signed Hart to be back-up by Maxime Machenaud but he struggled to make an impact during his two seasons there, before being signed by Munster.
Explore more on these topics: