Declan Kidney believes that Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton will not move to France for money, despite keen interest from Racing Métro.
Sexton's stock is high after winning three Heineken Cup titles in the last four years, with Racing owner Jacky Lorenzetti apparently keen to bring in the Lions contender for next season.
"I don't think anything that Jonny would do would be selfish or lead to a thing like that," said Kidney
"He just has to do the right things. Whoever came out with the story publicly, I don't think the IRFU or Jonny had any interest in it going like that."
"I've yet to meet an Irish player who has actually made his decision based on money. He's made it on how he's looked after (and) his affinity to the team.
"Our fellas' pride in their provinces is only matched by their pride in their Irish jersey. When our lads make decisions about moving abroad they don't make them lightly and I've yet to meet one who has made it purely on finance."
"There are negotiations going on and I'd imagine that they'll be drawing to a conclusion fairly soon."
"I wouldn't like to pre-empt these things, you have to let the negotiations carry on.
"It's a profession. Fellas have to look after themselves and I know the union will do everything to keep him but because it's a professional situation, there's only so much money there.
"Hopefully everyone involved will make the right decisions to keep Jonny in Ireland."
Comments
njcal says...
He has won everything there is to win as an Irish provincial player. Playing in France won't prevent him from being picked for Ireland or the Lions. Rugby players careers are short, he should go for the money while he can.
Posted 18:21 18th January 2013
caramba13 says...
@spike19
Quite right ... in most cases. However, ask Jonnie Wilkinson if he prefers playing and living in sunny Toulon or dreary Newcastle and the answer is unequivocal. Trevor Brennan loved living and playing in Toulouse ... so much so that he is still there, well after retirement.
Posted 09:45 18th January 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
Spend some money IRU. Rugby players deserve to be looked after.
Posted 16:30 17th January 2013
spike19 says...
Aside from the fact that Sexton has no intention of going to Racing and is just trying to get a better offer from the IRFU, If he did decide to go It wouldn't be for the wine/cheese! Players always say they go to France for food and the culture blah blah blah, BOLLOCKS, they go for cash plain and simple.
If he is bumped to 400k along with his commercial interests he wont be far off 750k anyway, why the hell would he go to Racing who have never won anything and put his national career at risk???
Posted 16:05 17th January 2013