Johnny Sexton was never going to let anything or anyone stand in his way of fulfilling his potential.
From day one, Johnny Sexton was fully focused on being the best damn rugby player he could be. When he first broke into the Leinster set-up, he knew if he made the most of that opportunity, he could achieve things that only the elite manage to achieve.
Things like European Cups, Celtic Leagues, Six Nations Championships, Grand Slams and British and Irish Lions Tours. After solidifying his place as one of the best flyhalfs in the Northern hemisphere, Sexton did it all.
An anecdote about one of his early games with his province proves that he was determined to turn these dreams into realities from the very beginning. Even if it meant standing up to a vastly more experienced teammate.
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Primal Scream
Shane Horgan recounted the story on a recent episode of
The Matt Dawson Rugby Show on 5 Live. The Blues travelled to Thomond Park to play rivals, Munster. Although Sexton was only beginning to make a name for himself, when a 12-year-veteran engaged in a shouting match with him, he stood his ground.
"He was well able to have a go. I remember having a shouting match with him. I think it was in my first year, or maybe it was the year after. I was playing on the wing and he was at 10 and we had a screaming match down in Thomond Park and he wasn't backing down. In the middle of the game! I was thinking, 'Ok, this guy's got something about him.' I had been there for about 12 years and not a bother on him."
"We laughed about it afterwards in the changing room, but he had strong opinions on the field. He didn't kowtow to anyone - opposition or fellow players."
Pure passion. From that moment on, Horgan knew Sexton was something special.
