‘I don’t think I’ll ever get over Lions omission’ – Johnny Sexton

Planet Rugby 01 Sep 2021 9:56 AM

Fly-half Johnny Sexton is still hurting after not being selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in July and August.

The Ireland pivot was one of the surprise omissions from the initial squad announcement with Dan Biggar, Finn Russell and Owen Farrell the preferred options.

When Russell suffered an ankle injury, which ruled him out of the first Test, many expected Sexton to receive the call, but instead English youngster Marcus Smith was handed the opportunity.

Starred on two Lions tours

Having starred in both 2013 and 2017, it was difficult for Sexton to take and the 36-year-old conceded that he may never get over that disappointment.

“It’s a long time ago now since I wasn’t picked so the emotions have obviously changed a little bit,” Sexton told reporters.

“Obviously when you don’t get picked it’s a massive disappointment but, look, they went a certain way and I wasn’t a part of their plans and it was tough but that’s life and I’ve just got to try and bounce back now.

“I’ve had lots of setbacks in my career and now it’s up to me to bounce back this season.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get over it, but I’ve come to terms with it, I accepted it a long time ago that it wasn’t going to be and I’ve had a good pre-season so far with Leinster and looking forward to getting the season started next week.”

Sexton has showed remarkable durability to still be playing outstanding rugby in his mid-30s but the next Lions tour to Australia will almost certainly be a stretch too far.

The fly-half does, however, have plenty to look forward to in the immediate future and is excited about what is ahead for him at Leinster and Ireland.

“It was a huge disappointment, the Lions was in the forefront of my thoughts for the last couple of years but that’s life and now it’s a case of trying to attack this season. I’ll be hopefully ready to go and have a good start to the season and be fit to put myself forward for Irish selection,” he added.

“It’s a huge year ahead with some big November fixtures, Six Nations, and then (a mid-year) tour to New Zealand. All the Leinster stuff as well, so it’s a big season ahead, but they’re all big seasons.

“You get energised by the start of a new season and this one is no different.”